Tomorrow’s opponents: AC Chievo Verona
A tried and tested system that has worked for at least 15 years; one that has few frills and is based upon clear ideas. Chievo have always collected 7 points more than the previous one (in 2013/14 they finished in 16th place with 36 points, in 2014/15 they finished in 14th place with 43 points,last May they finished in 9th place with 50 points) and it is important to note that there is space only for experience and tenacity within their team. They rely heavily upon practical football and a small group of players that is primarily focused on defending.Unsurprisingly, these themes have been integral during this season’s start under Maran, as they have already won four times in nine matches and currently have the third best defence in Serie A. This is supported by recent data, which states that Chievo are the team that runs more than anyone else in the league (an average of 108.339 km for every match, Bologna are sixth with 106.822), whilst they also have the most bookings, having already picked up 22 yellow cards.
They have an extremely experienced rearguard, with the return with Sorrentino (37-years-old) between the sticks, along with his defensive contemporaries: Spolli (33), Dainelli (37), Gamberini (35), Cesar (34), Frey (32), Sardo (37), Gobbi (36). If the coach were to choose any particular grouping, then they will be sure to have over hundreds of top-tier appearances between them, with the only slight exception being the right-back Cacciatore (30).They also have a solid screening in front of the defence, relying upon the tireless Radovanovic, who runs an average of 11.8 km per match, much similar to our Taider, whilst they are also strengthened by the two workhorses on the flanks: Hetemaj and Izco (or Rigoni). But in football running and fitness is not everything and you also need creativity. This spark is provided by Birsa, who often likes to drift between the lines and has been a key member of their 4-3-1-2 formation this season (already scoring thee goals and obtaining seven assists). He is their attacking outlet once they have retrieved possession.
Bologna will not have to worry about the pace of Lucas Castro, who has been banned following his red card against Empoli. Chievo are amongst the teams who have had less activity around the opposition goal this season, so far having only recorded 69 shots, with a meagre 33 being on target. Furthermore, their strikers, Inglese and Meggiorini, have only scored two goals between them. However, they have shown that they do not give up during the final quarter of an hour of matches, as this is the period where they have had most success. They have so far scored six goals in the final 15 minutes of their games and the Rossoblu must therefore pay close attention, as they have recently struggled during this specific phase of play.
