AC Chievo Verona are a modern Serie A success story, founded in 1929, they hail from the small Verona suburb of the same name. In 2001, they became one of the most fondly-regarded teams in Italy after winning promotion to Serie A for the first time in their modest history. Under inspirational manager Luigi del Neri they stunned the establishment by playing a starring role in the championship, finishing in fifth and qualifying for the UEFA cup.
Since then the the small and relatively uncommercial club have been among the stronger sides of Serie A, their success has been made all the sweeter by the decline in fortunes of city rivals Verona, who have spent much of the decade in Serie B. Even when it looked like their fairytale was coming to an end with relegation in 2007, the side continued to suprise by bouncing straight back up to Serie A for the 2008-09 season.
Full Name : AC Chievo Verona
Team Colours : yellow and blue
Nicknames : mussi volanti (flying donkeys)
Coach : Stefano Pioli
Stadium : Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, Piazzale Olimpia, Verona
Capacity : 39,200
Official Website : chievoverona.it
No major honours
Chievo share the Bentegodi stadium with Verona. Although their support has grown over the years, attendances are low except when hosting one of the giants of the Italian game so tickets are easily purchased from the ticket office at the stadium or in advance from branches of Banco Popolare di Verona in the city.
The stadium is close to the city centre, and just a ten minute walk from Verona's main train station, Porta Nuova. Alternatively you can catch either the number 11, 12 or 13 bus from the station.
Easily reached by air from the UK, Verona, in the Veneto, is one of Italy's loveliest towns. A thriving town in its own right, it's also an appealing tourist destination for weekend breaks. It's rich in archeological sites and has a beautiful medieval centre. The Roman Arena, where concerts and operas are performed in the summer, is the city's major site (original capacity 20,000), but the so-called 'Juliet's balcony' is also a principal port on the Shakespearian tourist trail.
You can spend a long time exploring the narrow streets lined with palazzi that make up the historic centre (there's also a mini-train tour if you're feeling lazy). Some of the churches contain fine works of art, while the Teatro Romano over the river has excellent views from the terraces where the ancients watched plays.
If you're planning a longer stay, or want to see more of Italy, Verona is usefully located for Venice or for the lovely Lake Garda. It's easy to travel by public transport from the lake to Verona, so you could combine football and natural beauty if that's your taste.
For more detailed information on things to do and where to stay in Verona visit our sister website Italy Heaven - Verona.