Del Neri commits to Chievo

AC Chievo Verona coach Luigi Del Neri will remain in charge of the club next season after agreeing a 12-month contract extension.

Remarkable season
Del Neri took Chievo into Serie A for the first time last summer and after a remarkable debut season the small Verona club remain in contention for a UEFA Champions League place ahead of Sunday's final league match against Atalanta BC.

True to his word
Del Neri's achievements prompted speculation he was in line for a move to a bigger club, speculation he denied after the derby victory against Hellas-Verona FC in March. "Will I coach a great club next season?" he said. "Of course, I will. Chievo." The 51-year-old has proved true to his word, signing a deal until 30 June 2003 that is worth an estimated €750,000.

'Human values'
"What counts are the human values you can find in such a place, the willingness of the people you have to work with and the size of the projects you are asked to realise," said Del Neri. "When you have this, things like signing contract extensions become less relevant."

'Objectives the same'
Club president Luca Campedelli said: "Our objectives were always the same. However, after what Chievo have achieved this season, it was obvious that Del Neri would become an object of interest for many. I'm happy that he will stay with us one more year. Together we will try to continue providing our supporters with excitement."

Taste of Europe
Wherever Chievo finish in the Serie A standings, they will get a taste of European football over the summer with a series of friendly matches in Scotland and Spain.