Former Italy boss Giampiero Ventura has defended his time in charge of Chievo Verona.

Ventura lasted just four games before walking out on the Flying Donkeys, who have picked up form in recent weeks.

“There were two problems at Chievo: the players' condition, which wasn't so good as we had seven players injured, and their morale because of the points deduction," he said.

“Mental blocs had been created, but in our month together we scored a lot of goals and there was a lot of work being done to restore the players' belief.

“That work gave Di Carlo a team able to play for 90 minutes at a high intensity, something that wasn't possible before.

“What Pellissier said about the players feeling betrayed was dictated by anger and disappointment."