View from the opposition: Chievo

With just two league games left to play, how would you rate Chievo's season?

“They deserve an 8/10 because they've exceeded expectations this year. They secured their top-flight status long before the end of the campaign and never got caught up in the relegation quagmire. Rolando Maran's side have played some decent football too. They warrant a high mark because the club, coach and team have all worked well together and done a great job.”

Who have been Chievo's three best signings this year?

“I think we can say midfielders Lucas Castro and Nicola Rigoni and striker Roberto Inglese. All three joined in the summer, although Chievo already owned Rigoni and Inglese and had sent them out on loan. They've all had very good seasons with over 20 appearances and three goals each.”

Who has been Chievo's best player this season?

“I'd say Riccardo Meggiorini, both for his performances and the way he embodies the Chievo spirit – he's never afraid to put in a shift and do the dirty work but he's equally capable of producing moments of class. He's been key to the team's play all season and has weighed in with five goals too.”

What's been Chievo's best performance of the season and why?

“That'll be the 4-0 win over Stefano Pioli's Lazio at the Bentegodi in Week 2. Alberto Paloschi – with a brace – Riccardo Meggiorini and Valter Birsa scored that day and we saw Rolando Maran's philosophy executed perfectly on the pitch. The Gialloblu played some spectacular football and were clinical in front of goal.”

What was the worst performance and what went wrong exactly?

“The second derby of the season when Chievo lost 3-1 to Hellas. They showed mental weakness that day because they went into it as favourites but hadn't counted on Verona putting in such a determined display – besides wanting local bragging rights they were clinging on to their slim hopes of remaining in Serie A. Hellas deserved to win the game and it was definitely the biggest disappointment of the season for Maran's side.”

Which Roma player should Chievo fans fear the most?

“Roma are devastating in wide areas so I'll say Stephan El Shaarawy. He's done brilliantly under Spalletti and he's capable of hurting any defence.”

If you could take one Roma player and add him to Chievo's squad, who would you choose and why?

“He might be bordering on 40 but I'd still go for Francesco Totti because he's got the ability to turn a game for you at any moment. In a side like Chievo, who base much of their game on teamwork, Totti would be the sort of player capable of producing a winner in really tricky matches, perhaps even just playing half an hour. He's absolutely world-class.”

What's your prediction for Sunday's game at the Olimpico?

“I think it will be a balanced affair although Roma start out as clear favourites. Chievo have Meggiorni back for this one and go into it in the right frame of mind so I'll think they'll have a good bash at them. If they play as well as they're capable of, they could end up coming away with a point. We'll see.”