The Nerazzurri have endured an inconsistent start to the campaign, with two losses at San Siro leaving them six points adrift of champions Juventus already, while they also suffered Europa League defeat at home to Hajduk Split.

However, they have been in imperious form on the road in all competitions, winning every match so far - four in total - without conceding a goal, and Stramaccioni feels it is vital his side continue their impressive away record and lay down the gauntlet to their closest rivals.

"It's definitely a key game if we want to send out a signal, first of all to ourselves, and improve the things that have prevented us from being more consistent," he said on Tuesday.

"We've been very inconsistent in this early phase of the season.

"We need to give a signal to ourselves as a group. You can't wave a magic wand but you can make progress. And in my book the only way to improve is by getting on with the task at hand. We don't want to lose any more games like that."

Chievo impressed in their last Serie A outing against Juventus, keeping the reigning champions at bay until past the hour mark when Fabio Quagliarella struck twice to seal a victory.

And Stramaccioni is expecting Domenico Di Carlo's outfit to prove a tough obstacle for his own charges, describing Wednesday's match as 'tactically challenging'.

"Chievo looked extremely well drilled and they held their own against Juve until the last 20 minutes," he said.

"We've seen what a solid outfit they are and it will be a tricky match for us tomorrow, at a ground that has traditionally been a tough place to visit. And in Di Carlo they have a very shrewd coach."