AC Chievo Verona, the only Italian club to reach Serie A after climbing every rung of the pyramid, spent 17 of 18 seasons in the top flight before finishing last in 2019. Two years later, financial turmoil and tax woes forced the club into bankruptcy. Restarting from the bottom, the Flying Donkeys now target Serie D promotion after a historic rise that saw them win Serie B in 2001.

In May 2024, former Chievo striker Sergio Pellissier bought the historic brand after founding Clivense. He now serves as honorary president and sporting director, working with president Pietro Laterza, owner of UAE‑second‑division side Al‑Ittifaq. The duo invested in the Bottagisio training centre and signed ex‑Serie A veterans Alberto Paloschi and Daniele Baselli, while adding 35‑year‑old Brazilian winger Douglas Costa.

Chievo’s play‑off run hinges on Costa’s experience. After a decisive goal against Milan Futuro, the former Bayern Munich and Juventus star hopes to lift the club toward Serie C. If the team wins the final against Casatese Merate, promotion is not automatic; the league will decide based on vacancies, but the club’s financial recovery and new talent pipeline give it a realistic chance.