chievo verona

Associazione Calcio Chievo Verona is an Italian football club named after a minor suburb of Verona and owned by Paluani, a pasta company and the inspiration for their original name, Paluani Chievo. They were founded in 1929 but did not became professional until 1986 when they joined Serie C2 and changed their name to Chievo Verona. They were promoted to Serie A in 2001. They currently share the Bentegodi Stadium with Hellas Verona. The club's historic nickname is gialloblu (from the club colors of yellow and blue), but is more often referred to today as the Asini Volanti (Flying Donkeys). This nickname, derived from the mounted horseman on the club's crest, was originally a derogatory term applied by fans from crosstown rivals Hellas, who claimed Chievo had stolen Hellas' colors, name, and stadium. However, Chievo fans have now largely embraced the nickname as a badge of honor. Chievo's official Web site shows an image of a flying donkey next to the club's crest, and the club's online shop sells a stuffed flying donkey doll. The club shares its stadium with Hellas which is the 42,160 seater Marc'Antonio Bentegodi stadium.