Chievo vs Pescara
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 26 February 2017
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi (Verona).
Chievo has been struggling as of late with four winless efforts in their last six outings, including three losses and a draw. The team has dropped to the 11th spot of the league table as a result. They are still 18 points above the bottom three relegation zone, though, but are 16 points behind Atalanta and the final Europa League qualifying spot for the next season.
The Gialloblu was routed by powerhouse squad Napoli, 1-3, in their most recent Serie A fixture held also at their home ground of Marc'Antonio Bentegodi Stadium last Sunday, Italian Football Daily reported.
Napoli scored the first three goals of the match, courtesy of Lorenzo Insigne, Marek Hamsik, and Piotr Zielinski in the 31st, 38th, and 58th minutes respectively, before Italian forward Riccardo Meggiorini was able to put head coach Rolando Maran's squad on the board in the 72nd with a left-footed shot from the right side of the box off an assist by Dutch midfielder Jonathan de Guzman.
Meanwhile, Pescara was inspired by the return of manager Zdeněk Zeman and pulled off a stunning 5-0 thrashing of lowly team Genoa at their home field of Adriatico Stadium last Sunday, as per beIN Sports.
An own goal by Genoa defender Lucas Orban started the scoring in the fifth minute before Gianluca Caprari doubled the Dolphins' lead in the 19th. Ahmad Benali added another one in the 31st to give the hosts a 3-0 lead at the half.
Caprari netted his second goal in the 81st minute while Alberto Cerri sealed the game in the 87th, completing the team's five-goal haul.
It was the first match back in charge for Zeman, who replaced sacked coach Massimo Oddo after a disappointing campaign this season. The win was only the second for Pescara this term.
Prediction and Predicted Lineup
The predicted result is a close 2-1 decision for Chievo.
Chievo starting lineup (4-3-2-1 formation): Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Gamberini, Spolli, Gobbi; Izco, Radovanovic, Hetemaj; Castro, Birsa; Inglese
Pescara starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Bizzarri; Zampano, Stendardo, Coda, Biraghi; Verre, Bruno, Memushaj; Benali, Cerri, Caprari
Chievo vs Pescara: Head-to-head statistics
Chievo have lost none of their last 20 home games against teams ranked below them in the table (W12, D8).
Pescara have a record of W2-D2-L16 in their last 20 away games against teams ranked above them in the table.
Chievo have taken only one point from their last four home games – their worst record at the Bentegodi since February 2015.
The Flying Donkeys have conceded at least three goals in five of their last eight league games.
Pescara have lost 8 of their last 9 away matches. The Delfini have conceded at least 3 goals in their last 3 away matches
Chievo vs Pescara: Prediction
Pescara will be full of confidence after their historic 5-0 win last round that made waves all around the world. The Delfini will need a good result here to keep things going, albeit they still do look set for a return to Serie B. They have managed to find the net in five out of their last six trips, racking up eight goals, and will be expected to score yet again on Sunday. As for Chievo, they have done better than Genoa and should represent a sterner test, but they are not the favorites to pick up all three points, either.
Chievo vs Pescara: Betting tips
Double chance – Pescara to WIN or DRAW at evens
BTTS – YES at 8/13 (1.62)
