Who is this key?

…Javier Pastore?

…Simon Kjaer?

…Abel Hernandez?

…Salvatore Sirigu?

These important players are undoubtedly important elements of the future for our club – yet, they do not represent the most vital piece to the club. That honor belongs to this man:

Numero Uno

Yes. That’s right. One of the craziest men in calcio is the man we have to live with: Maurizio Zamparini. For all the insanities and firing sprees, he has made Palermo dream. A couple days ago, I was thinking what the team would be like if we were to be sold to someone else…and to be honest, it was a little unnerving. Where would we go from here? Would the new owner be a foreigner with no attachment to the team? Would he be a local businessman who might have a strong attachment to the squad but not necessarily have a good plan to run the team? Thankfully, we don’t need to worry about those things just yet – as it seems that Zamparini will be along for the ride for the near future (see: plans for a new stadium). Perhaps, a most unlikely of sources, Luciano Moggi has stated it best in an interview with Mediterraneonline:

“Zenga is doing well, there needs to be some patience in life. When they take on young players they need to help them grow. Let me say something: I believe that Zamparini is one of those people that it is better not to lose because if Palermo loses Zamparini I don’t know who could substitute him and invest like he does, it is important to keep him chin-up, he’s one of those presidents that has money and the public would do well to love him. Zamparini is one who understands calcio. He knows how to conduct clubs. Last year he had an excellent season and he knows how to bring things forward.”

I think Moggi has summed it up quite nicely – so, let’s be thankful for Maurizio. Without him, we’d be looking at surviving relegation year in and year out.

News Roundup

Not alot to say about the match this past weekend. Sure, there were a couple of missed calls by the ref, but all in all, it was a game that was destined for a draw. We can chalk this one up to fatigue from the frenetic midweek game against Inter.

One interesting note from the Genoa game was the little sideshow from Marco Amelia. Even though he wasn’t playing, he attempted to create a story by telling the media he didn’t know why he was sent away. Well, Sabatini put that to rest by saying that, “Amelia knows very well how it went and there is no need to clear anything up.”

Our President also had some fun words to those who have been booing Pastore by saying that they are stupid and declaring them to be probably the same people who booed Cavani in his first appearances.

With the rise of Sirigu, it’s only natural that Rubinho might find his way out the door. According to Zamparini, “Rubinho has been a bit unfortunate, he’s a good goalkeeper but found Sirigu as a substitute who is doing well and earned a starting spot. He’s probably suffering as a result and we will find him another team because he and Sirigu are both starters – Sirigu for us, however, is a certainty.”

Finally, both Liverani and Balzaretti are targeting the Derby as the game in which they make their glorious returns.

Transfer Rumors

With January drawing nearer, Palermo has been linked to a ton of players lately. Here’s a brief summary:

- An Argentinian attacker named Sand is being linked with us again. He’s lighting up the Arab league with 9 goals in 5 games.

- German publication Bild claims that Palermo are interested in attacking mid Rakitic of Schalke 04.

- More news from Argentina as it’s being reported that Palermo are in talks for two different players: Dario Conca a trequartista for Brasilian side Vasco da Gama and Carlos Quintana a defender playing for Argentinian side Lanus.

Remember “First Appearances”

FORZA PALERMO!

That picture pretty much sums up the afternoon for the rosanero last weekend. A lot of hugging, celebrating and even crying (I’m looking at you Eyebrows…). 5 times in fact. It was a great win against a lesser opponent. Three points in the bag and now onto Chievo.

A total recap isn’t necessary. We played motivated for pretty much the whole 90 minutes – besides two defensive lapses. Cavani stepped up big – he must’ve seen his tribute video.

Highlights

News Roundup

The wise sage Fabio Liverani gave some thoughts about the team today. One of the great values of the team is that they are a very close-knit group. In fact, according to our Magic Carpet Man, nobody wants to leave the society as they are all happy where they’re at. However, on the downside, Fabio thinks that the squad could do better to concetrate more on training during the week.

Our Bat-Boy/Frankenstein lovechild Cavani was recently linked with Fiorentina. Um, I doubt we will see Palermo make another mistake like that, so I would sweep aside that rumor. Cavani’s agent confirmed it as such by saying Edy is staying at Palermo for as long as Palermo wants to keep him. He’s doing excellent at Palermo and has no desire to leave the rosanero. Good news to hear. The kid is only getting better. If anyone wants to make comparisons, ask Ricci about his take on Cavani in comparison to a certain Torres.

Speaking of agents, Simplicio’s moneymaker will be on hand to watch Fabio take the field against the other team from Verona. Talks about a contract renewal are still in the initial stages but Rinaldi has stated that Fozzy’s desire is to certainly stay with Palermo and wants to stay in rosanero for a long time. Attachment to the shirt? That’s a good quality.

Palermo VP Miccichè gives his take on the season so far. According to him, the season has been around a 6.5 – 7. Last year, we finished the campionato on 47 points. Here we are 10 games away from the end of the season sitting on 42 points. More importantly, the team has found a style of play under Ballardini.

The biggest step so far in pursuit of the new stadium happened earlier in the week when Zamparini bought Fondo Raffo. It’s the first significant move towards construction to date. Details of the deal can be found here. Zamparini bought the land for around 11 million euros.

Is Sabatini doing something productive? Doubtful. But he is in Argentina at the moment observing a couple matches and two or three players in particular for Lanus: Eduardo Salvio (fantasista, 19 years old), Valeri (CM, 23 years old) and Quintana (CB, 21 years old). I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you though. We all know Sabatini has about as much motivation as Lindsey Lohan in rehab.

Finally, with Miccoli out for this weekend’s game, the question is who will be paired up with Cavani? Currently, it looks like it’ll be either Succi or Sneeze. That’s right, Mchedlidze is back! Here’s to hoping he gets the start. Succi was out last week due to his wife giving birth to a mini-Succi. Ballardini has a tough decision to make…or not.

Video of the Week

Another gem of a “music” video, this time dedicated to Eyebrows himself, Fabrizio Miccoli. Once again, the vocals will leave you breathless. Definitely a song worth downloading to your iTunes…haha.

I’ll try to have a review up on Saturday morning/afternoon. Thanks ragazzi…and always…

FORZA PALERMO!