Chievo have almost been boringly consistent over the past few seasons where they have always managed to find enough points to achieve safety and finish in the comfort of mid-table. They have always done this through defensive solidity and being very tough to beat rather than through expansive football but there was certainly change and progression from the Flying Donkeys this season. Two wins from their opening three games as well as a draw at Juventus Stadium was a fine start but it was the fact that they'd netted eight times which was the real eye-opener. Chievo finished last season as the lowest scorers in the league but they managed to drastically improve on their goal tally this campaign despite the loss of Alberto Paloschi in January. His departure was felt momentarily as the Flying Donkeys did struggle for goals at the turn of the year but they recovered quickly and just two defeats in their last ten Serie A matches led to a fine top half finish for Rolando Maran's men. It was wondered just how far the manager could further take this side but this was their best position in a decade and their football is becoming slightly more pleasing on the eye. Maran has not been afraid to change things up and play more expansively with a 4-3-1-2 formation. Valter Birsa has flourished playing as the trequartista in that system, chipping with goals as well as assists. The defence remained as resolute and well organised as ever, giving a solid base for Maran to build on. He will be hoping for some investment in attack during the summer in order to continue the club's improvement.
