CHIEVO PREVIEW

PUBLISHED

11:58 3rd August 2013

by Steve Garland

All you need to know about today’s opposition

City step up their Barclays Premier League preparations on Saturday as they face Italian Serie A outfit Chievo Verona, bringing the long awaited return of football back to Cardiff City Stadium.

With their Premier League opener against West Ham United now just two-weeks away, City boss Malky Mackay is set to introduce his four new summer signings to the home faithful tomorrow, with Andreas Cornelius, John Brayford, Simon Moore and record signing Steven Caulker all possible inclusions in the squad.

It’s one win, one draw and a defeat for the Bluebirds so far in pre-season, with arguably their sternest test yet ahead of them on Saturday against Serie A regulars Chievo, who have been in free-scoring form during their preparations so far. Most recently, a 6-0 win over a Top 11 Amateur select side followed a 3-0 win over Serie B Bari.

KEY PLAYERS

Cyril Thereau

Alberto Paloschi

Not a familiar circumstance in the UK, part-ownership is commonplace in Italy a contractual status that sees 23-year old Alberto Paloschi registered with Chievo and giants AC Milan. Last campaign Paloschi netted on seven occasions for the Gialloblù, but will look to build on that this campaign as he looks to fulfil a much hyped potential from his early days as a youngster at Milan.  

Pre-Season so far:

Last line-ups:

Cardiff: Lewis, Brayford, Hudson, Turner, Taylor, Noone, Mutch, Whittingham, Kim, Bellamy, Campbell. Chievo: Silvestri, Sardo, Papp, Dainelli, Pamic, Improta, Bentivoglio, Hetemaj, Sesta, Paloschi, Thereau.

Manager – Giuseppe Sannino