Juventus Cannot Spoil Chievo Party
Friday 14th September 2001
Serie A newcomers Chievo are determined to enjoy the top-of-the-table clash against Juventus on Saturday night despite the possibility of their 100 per cent record ending.
Chievo, making their first ever season in Serie A, have confounded experts by recording two straight wins against Fiorentina and Bologna and coach Luigi Del Neri believes that the run can continue.
He is not expecting to win against 25-time champions Juventus at Stadio Delle Alpi but he is determined that his side will enjoy the occasion.
He said: "For us to face Juventus is just like a party. But we will fight and we will not enter the pitch expecting to lose.
"We are not in Serie A because someone gave us a gift: we worked hard to get here. We realise that we are more likely to get points in other games but will try with all our heart and ability.
"If Juventus want to win, they are going to have to work for it, they will have to suffer," he added.
Chievo, the actual town having no more than 3,000 inhabitants, are based in the north-west of Verona and are still coming to terms with life in Serie A.
President Luca Campedelli said: "The reason this is a game between the two Serie A leaders is that we have only played two games.
"We don't believe that this run will continue all season. All I can hope for on Saturday is that Juventus dominate everything and win 6-0.
Juventus midfielder Alessio Tacchinardi said: "We must go out on to the field as if it were a Cup final.
"It may be an unusual match for a table-topping match but it is truly a big match. Chievo have been brilliant in their two games so far, their players are running like madmen and flying on the wings of enthusiasm."
The two teams have only met once, a 0-0 draw in the 1994 Italian Cup.
