Del Neri confirms stay

Del Neri was responsible for the club's most successful even period, leading them to Serie A and then into Europe, but after leaving the club he had ill-fated stays at Porto and Roma.

He returned to the club early this season, with the brief to keep them in Italy's top flight, and despite their continued struggles the club stated last week that they had no intention of parting ways with him.

"We have been fighting for an important objective all year long, we are proving that we have a strong character, which we hadn't shown on other occasions," Del Neri told Rai Radio Anch'io Sport. "I am pleased with my time here and I think I will stay no matter what happens. I have a special relationship with this club and this city, an important friendship which isn't easy to find nowadays in football."

Chievo currently lie third-bottom on 36 points but only three points separate 18th and 11th and any one of those eight sides could be relegated.

"We have prepared for all the remaining matches very carefully and we know that there is no margin for error," he continued.

"I reckon that the final relegation slot will be determined on the last day of the season; we will all fight to stay in Serie A. We know that we can do well and we will prove it on the pitch."

On Sunday Chievo drew 1-1 at Reggina, who also have 36 points but boast a superior goal difference as they would be seventh had they not been deducted 11 points for their role in Calciopoli.