Verona Coach Luigi Del Neri admits it’ll be “difficult” against Chievo but “the table doesn’t count” in derbies.
Tomorrow sees the two teams meet in the Derby della Scala, with the Butei rooted to the foot of the Serie A table with just one win all season.
“The derby is a game apart, where the table doesn’t count,” Del Neri explained in his pre-match Press conference.
Verona Coach Luigi Del Neri admits it’ll be “difficult” against Chievo but “the table doesn’t count” in derbies.
Tomorrow sees the two teams meet in the Derby della Scala, with the Butei rooted to the foot of the Serie A table with just one win all season.
“The derby is a game apart, where the table doesn’t count,” Del Neri explained in his pre-match Press conference.
“We have to stay calm, any win could give us a big boost going forward, to achieve our goal. We’ll do everything to succeed, though we’re playing a team which has practically reached their goal for this season and are playing with confidence.
“It will be a very complicated game that we don’t want to complicate further, not to mention that pressure which will surely come from our fans.
“Both teams will definitely go into the game with a great mentality. I hope it’s a nice game to watch, but derbies usually aren’t, given that there’s so much competitive spirit.
“From here on out every game is crucial. Chievo will be important, not least for the confidence a win could give the team.
“We must do everything to win and keep believing in our goal, we know how important this game is and we’ll put everything out there on the pitch.
“They’re a very physical team, used to playing with intensity, like us. They’ve been playing together for many years, and are in a position in the table where they don’t have to worry.
“We have to be hungry to fight to the end, we have to continue to show improvement. In the second half of the season we’ve picked up more points than Chievo, and if Serie A started in January we’d be in a different position.
“The important thing is to understand the mistakes we’ve made, and correct them going forward.
“The Veronese derby is a beautiful one, maybe the best I’ve experienced in my career. The city deserves a game like this, and that’s why we have to stay up.
“We must be proud, and proud of a game which gives prestige and attention to the whole city. We’ll play without awe, we have the quality to do well.”
Verona have struggled with injuries this season, but Del Neri expects to have his best team available for tomorrow.
“I’m glad to have pretty much the whole team available. We have a lot of choices, and we’ll evaluate them.
“Luca Toni and Giampaolo Pazzini? They give us a lot, both on and off the pitch. Every player who goes onto the pitch must have attributes to hurt Chievo, the fittest ones will play.”