Chievo vs US Sassuolo Calcio preview - Paloschi wants fans to lift Chievo

Posted Friday, April 18, 2014 by PA

Chievo striker Alberto Paloschi has called for the fans to play their part when they entertain second-bottom Sassuolo on Saturday afternoon.

The Verona outfit picked up three priceless points at Livorno in the last round to move five points clear of the drop zone with five games remaining.

The Flying Donkeys will be eager to take the spoils against Sassuolo to further boost their survival hopes.

"The contribution of the fans will be fundamental on Saturday," said Paloschi, whose hat-trick handed Chievo a 4-2 triumph at Livorno.

"We played well in Leghorn and this result has given us a boost in confidence for the crucial stage of the campaign.

"But we still need a few more points to guarantee Serie A safety and we hope to get them against Sassuolo."

Chievo have won just five of their 16 games at the Marc' Antonio Bentegodi Stadium but fortunately for them, Sassuolo have mustered just two wins on the road this season.

Saturday's game is a must-win for Sassuolo with tough games against Juventus, Fiorentina and AC Milan to follow.

The promoted outfit travels to Verona on the back of last weekend's 1-1 draw against Cagliari.

The outcome left Eusebio Di Francesco's side level on 25 points with 18th-placed Livorno and just three points behind Bologna, who hold the last safety position.

"We have to look ahead with optimism," Di Francesco said. "I see my team alive and determined to take three points.

"Saturday's game is crucial for our battle to avoid the drop and we need to be focused from start to finish."

Chievo coach Eugenio Corini will have all of his players available while the visitors are without defender Lorenzo Ariaudo, who serves a one-match ban.