Del Neri answers Porto call

News confirmed
The news was confirmed today on both clubs' official websites. "Luigi Del Neri will became FC Porto coach for the next three seasons," read the Porto statement. José Mourinho, who led Porto to a 3-0 UEFA Champions League final victory against AS Monaco FC last month, left the Portuguese champions earlier this week for English side Chelsea FC.

Chievo thanks
Meanwhile a Chievo statement said: "The club thank the coach and his assistants for their commitment and for the great results they achieved in the last four years. The technical staff which helped Chievo to play more than 100 matches in Serie A will always be in the heart of Chievo’s supporters both for their professional skills and for their moral qualities. Chievo wish them a successful future."

'Very satisfying'
The 53-year-old Del Neri, who will be joined at Porto by his Chievo assistant coach Francesco Conti and physical trainer Ugo Maranza added: "It's very satisfying. I feel much better now and I will go to Portugal next week [he underwent achilles tendon surgery last week].

'Different football'
"In Portugal they play different football compared to Italy," he continued. "They are much closer to the Brazilian way of playing. I don't feel pressure because they have already won everything. It's really great to join a winning side."

Chievo achievement
'Gigi', as he is also known in Italy, has been in charge of Chievo since 2000. In his first season he led them out of Serie B and into the top-flight. Since then they have maintained their Serie A status, finishing ninth last season.