[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 21 - 28/1/07 (14.00 UK)
Chievo - Empoli

Stadio Bentegodi

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Chievo badly need to improve their home form but they may struggle as an Empoli side enjoying a fairytale campaign arrive at the Stadio Bentegodi.

After last season’s heroics, the Flying Donkeys have been brought down to earth. The Gialloblu have improved since the awful start that led to the demise of Bepi Pillon, but they still have a lot of work to do if they are to avoid a nail-biting season perched above the drop-zone.

Gigi Del Neri’s side were hit by a second half Siena comeback last week as they fell to their sixth away defeat of the season. However, the true surprise has been the Clivensi’s poor home form. While the Ceo lost only twice at the Bentegodi last term, they have already been beaten five times there in the current campaign.

Empoli continue to astound the critics and remain firmly in the race for a Champions League spot. Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Sampdoria helped the Azzurri claim fourth place and showed that the Tuscan minnows didn’t lose momentum during the winter break.

Gigi Cagni has worked wonders and his success has been based on a mean defence. While Empoli have only scored six times on their travels this season, they only conceded nine times before Wednesday’s clash against Catania. Cagni will be confident in his side’s chances but may worry about fatigue after Wednesday’s rearranged clash with Catania.

However, Chievo will look back at Week 2’s 1-1 draw at the Stadio Castellani with some satisfaction as they had to play with 10 men for most of the game.

Del Neri cannot call upon the suspended Lorenzo D’Anna or Luciano, but has few other worries. The only injury doubt is midfielder Andrea Zanchetta. Nigerian prodigy Victor Obinna is set to start on the bench with Erjon Bogdani given the nod to partner Sergio Pellissier up front. New signing Cesar Prates has arrived from Livorno but may not be ready to make his debut.

The visitor’s concerns are largely defensive. Daniele Adani is out for a month with a knee injury but Stefano Lucchini who has been ill with flu and Vittorio Tosto who has a calf injury may be fit. Andrea Raggi continues to play despite a shoulder complaint.

Man on fire: Davide Matteini (Empoli) – The ex-Pescara man is starting to look at home in his maiden Serie A season and has started the New Year on form finding the net against Parma and Sampdoria.

Last season: Chievo 2-2 Empoli

Form guide: Chievo (D W L W L) Empoli (L W L W W)

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Chievo (probable): Sicignano; Malago’, Mandelli, Mantovani, Marchese; Sammarco, Italiano, Brighi; Semioli, Bogdani, Pellissier

Empoli (probable): Balli; Raggi, Marzoratti, Pratali, Ascoli; Almiron, Marianini, Busce’, Vannucchi, Matteini; Saudati

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