Both these sides finally grabbed important victories at the weekend and were eager to continue their unbeaten runs. Chievo surprisingly chose to rest Sergio Pellissier in favour of Amauri, but the danger man was Franco Semioli after netting in both his previous games this season.

Udinese had the first real chance after three minutes when Iaquinta hooked the ball from six yards, but slipped at the crucial moment and allowed Luca Marchegiani to save.

Chievo went even closer when Franco Semioli somehow fired over the bar from eight yards, but at the dawn of the second half the Flying Donkeys thumped the upright with Franceschini's fierce drive from 20 metres.

Soon after Udinese star David Di Michele brought a tough save out of Luca Marchegiani.

Chievo: Marchegiani; Malago', Mandelli, D'Anna, Lanna; Semioli, Brighi, Baronio (Allegretti 87), Franceschini (De Franceschi 80); Cossato (Pellissieri 63), Amauri

Udinese: De Sanctis; Bertotto (Belleri 70), Cribari, Felipe, Jankulovski; Pinzi, Pizarro, Muntari; Di Michele (Mauri 63), Iaquinta, Di Natale

Ref: Saccani