Chievo vs Udinese preview - Things look bright for Chievo
Posted Saturday, April 18, 2015 by PA
A revitalised Chievo face Udinese on Sunday looking to take a big step towards retaining their Serie A status.
Ahead of the encounter in Verona, Chievo have 35 points as the season enters its final eight weeks.
Last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Cesena marked Chievo's third win in their last four games.
The result allowed Rolando Maran's side to climb to 13th in the standings, 13 points clear of the drop zone.
After a slow start to the year, Chievo are beginning to find their touch at the right time, much to the relief of Maran.
"We are heading in the right direction," he told the Italian press. "We are close to our aim of defending our Serie A status but are not there yet.
"We have found some continuity in results of late, and this in the end pays off.
"We are in good condition and collecting important results. A few more sacrifices are needed, as we are not mathematically safe yet."
Udinese, meanwhile, travel to Verona with coach Andrea Stramaccioni feeling the heat.
The Bianconeri are without a win since March 8 and have collected just three points since.
Udinese lost 3-1 at home to Palermo last weekend to see their winless run extended to five games.
The Friuli side are one place and one point adrift of Chievo.
"What really annoys me about our season is our lack of continuity," Stramaccioni said. "We start games well and then we seem to lose our way.
"We must turn the page immediately. The only remedy is hard work."
Udinese's main problem has been in front of goal. The Friuli side have scored just two goals in their last three league games and face a challenge on Sunday against a side who have conceded just one goal in their last six.
The visitors will be without Brazilian midfielder Guilherme, who must serve a one-match ban.
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