Del Neri commits to Chievo

False speculation
Despite speculation linking him with bigger Italian clubs, Del Neri has opted to stay with Chievo and agreed a deal until summer 2004. "Earlier this year I told the president that I wanted to stay and between me and this club, words are enough. We don't need contracts. All the newspaper talk about my future was simply not true."

History maker
Del Neri, 52, took charge of Chievo in 2000/01 and led the unfashionable Verona club to promotion at the first time of asking. Chievo subsequently qualified for the UEFA Cup in their debut campaign in Serie A, and then consolidated top-flight status this season by finishing seventh in the table.