Cagliari coach Massimiliano Allegri claims Sunday's Serie A encounter with Chievo is "like a Champions League final" for his team.

Robert Acquafresca's late strike took the pressure off Allegri and the Sardinians will be desperate to prove they have well and truly turned the page with a home victory over Chievo.

"For us it is like a Champions League final," said Allegri ahead of the Stadio Sant' Elia clash. "It is fundamental that we win and I hope the fans realise this too."

Sunday's result lifted Cagliari off the foot of the standings but the islanders still have a lot of work to do as they remain in the relegation zone.

Allegri will be hoping his side can repeat their display in Turin, where they managed to avoid conceding a goal for the second time this campaign.

"Against Torino the team remained united in the difficult stages of the game," he said. "My team wanted the win at all costs and we got the job done.

"That is what we need to do against Chievo."

The hosts will need to show an improvement especially in front of goal, which has been their main weakness this campaign.

The Rossoblu have only managed to score twice this season while giving away 10 goals.

"We are getting better," claimed Cagliari defender Francesco Pisano. "But we still have a lot of work to do.

"Against Chievo it will not be easy because they are a side that can break fast on counter-attacks and we will need to be careful."

Promoted Chievo travel to Sardinia knowing a defeat will see them drop to the danger zone.

The Flying Donkeys appear to have lost their wings this campaign as they are 16th in the standings, just two points clear of Cagliari after last weekend's 1-1 home draw against Atalanta.

Winger Mauro Esposito expects a tough challenge against his former club on Sunday.

"We know it will be a delicate match against a relegation rival," he said. "We must try to be more cynical in order to get points and improve our position in the table."

With games against Lazio, Palermo and Juventus around the corner, the Verona outfit know they must make the most of this weekend's encounter.

"We must find continuity in our results," admitted Chievo coach Giuseppe Iachini.

We have taken just one point in our last three games and we need to get a win to get our campaign on track.

"Every game is a challenge in Serie A but have to try to come out with three points on Sunday."

Esposito is likely to start against his former club as Antonio Langella is struggling with a recurring thigh problem and is doubtful.

The hosts will be without key midfielder Daniele Conti, who serves a one-match ban.