Chievo Verona
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Location: Verona (Veneto)
Manager: Giuseppe Iachini
Ground: Stadio Maracantonio Bentegodi (Capacity: 42,160)
Pre-Season Training Began July 13th in Verona, then moved to San Zeno di Montagna
Friendlies Played: Chievo 14-0 San Zeno di Montagna (July 20); Chievo 6-0 Melbourne Phoenix (July 23)
Friendlies Scheduled: Pergocrema (July 27); Veneto (July 31); Queens Park Rangers (August 2)
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In: Nicolas Frey (D, Modena); Stefano Olivieri (D, Ancona); Stefano Sorrentino (G, Recrativo Huelva); Francesco Scardina (D, Vicenza); Emanuele D’Anna (M, Pisa); Giovanni Marchese (D, Bari)
Out: Aleandro Rosi (M, Roma); Marino Defendi (S, Atalanta); Angelo Antonazzo (D, Frosinone); Daniele Aldegani (G, Free Agency); Federico Cossato (S, Free Agency); Michele Troiano (M, Modena); Tommaso Chiecchi (D, Lumezzane); Maurizio Ciaramitaro (M, Palermo)
Negotiating For: Francesco Tavano (S, Livorno); Papa Waigo (S, Fiorentina); Nicolas Andres Cordova (M, Messina); Biagio Pagano (D, Rimini); Daniele Capelli (D, Atalanta); Jose Ignacio Castillo (S, Pisa); Gaetano De Rosa (D, Genoa); Stefano Guberti (M, Ascoli); Adrian Ricchiuti (S, Rimini); Paolo Foglio (D, Vicenza); Mark Edusei (M, Catania); Andrea Capone (S, Vicenza); Giuseppe Biava (D, Genoa)
Transfer Rating: 5
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The Flying Donkeys have been a great success story, and after their recent relegation they quickly turned things around and have found themselves flying back into Serie A. It will be a difficult season for the northern minnows with a less than impressive lineup of unproven players. Nigerian hitman Victor Obinna is no doubt on his way out, leaving captain Sergio Pellissier to take over the task of leading this Chievo team. Albanian striker Erjon Bogdani is also an option up front, but it has been made known that head coach Iachini has no made no room for Bogdani in his plans.
Chievo is in dire need of at least two more impact signings at the midfield and forward positions, or they will be heading back to Serie B in a hurry. One possible name that has been mentioned is that of 33-year-old Argentine Jose Ignacio Castillo, who is currently on the books at Pisa. The veteran striker netted 21 times in 38 appearances for Pisa last term, and might have earned himself a surprise jump to Serie A with his stellar performance. Siena are also rumored to be pursuing his services.
Minding the net for the Flying Donkeys next season will be new signing Stefano Sorrentino. Sorrentino, once a Juventus youth product, has seen plenty of action in Serie A during his time with Torino from 2001-2005. Sorrentino is an important signing for Chievo, who were in desperate need of a shot-stopper. Chievo beat out the competition of Catania, as well as Juventus who eyed the veteran goalkeeper as a dependable backup for Gigi Buffon. Sorrentino will without a doubt have his work cut out for him as he makes his return to Italy.
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Prediction: Relegation. Passionate fan base is a plus, but in the end not enough talent to get the job done.
Probable Formation: 4-3-3
Sorrentino; Mantovani, Cesar, Mandelli, Malago; Marcolini, Italiano; Bentivoglio; Iunco, Pellissier, Luciano
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New Kits For 2008-09:
