Chievo Coach Eugenio Corini welcomes his former club today and admits “I left my heart in Palermo.”
The Stadio Bentegodi game kicks off at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Chievo Coach Eugenio Corini welcomes his former club today and admits “I left my heart in Palermo.”
The Stadio Bentegodi game kicks off at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
As a midfielder and captain, Corini wore the Rosanero jersey from 2003 to 2007 before ending his career at Torino.
“Initially the President didn’t want to keep me, then a few days later he proposed a contract extension. However, I said I’d like a little time to think about it,” revealed Corini.
“When I decided to accept, Maurizio Zamparini hesitated, so the day after I called a Press conference to confirm my departure. I left my heart in Palermo. If one day I returned there as Coach, I would be extremely happy. If not, Palermo will remain my second home town.”
The Sicilians could well consider hiring him, as Alberto Malesani is their third Coach of the season and they are still propping up the Serie A table.
“The game will not be decisive, as there are another 13 to play. A victory would be very important for our position in the table, but a defeat would not doom Malesani’s side.
“Palermo are in a process of renewal, which already began last season, in which some players wanted to be sold to gain experience elsewhere and the replacements have not been up to the task.
“My love for Palermo and its people is immense, but they know I am not someone to go easy on anyone. It will be a very emotional game for me and a touching moment. I was sad to see them bottom of the table, because I know how much the club counts on enthusiasm.”
Luca Rigoni is suspended, while Adrian Stoian, Boukary Dramé and Gennaro Sardo are sidelined.
Chievo squad for Palermo: Puggioni, Ujkani, Squizzi, Andreolli, Dainelli, Cesar, Papp, Farkas, Acerbi, Sampirisi, Jokic, Frey, Spyropoulos, Guana, Cofie, Luciano, Vacek, Seymour, Hetemaj, Paloschi, Pellissier, Thereau, Hauche