- - The Offside - Palermo Italian Football Blog

By: Steven | February 7th, 2009

Sunday, February 8th, 2009 20.30
Stadio La Favorità, Palermo

I warriors, brigate rosanero, siamo forti e vinceremo!

Preview
Hmz…familiar situation yet again. Two losses when we deserved at least two draws, and back the situation where another loss might really mean the end of our European dreams. Our season is like the weight of Kirstey Alley. So, Ballardini needs to get the guys back in one line for the Derby Delle Due Sicilie. As for the opposition, they couldn’t come at a better time. 4 losses in their last 5 away matches, not a win in Serie A since january 11th and trying to become the new Inter by buying everything and everyone that looks and smells argentinian.

Reja’s men have switched roles with last year’s Genoa: while the Grifoni are competing for place 4-6, Napoli is struggling to keep in touch with the subtop. And that’s where Palermo comes in. Because, as you might now, we’re in the exact same situation as the Etnei. And that is why this match is going to be so interesting: neither team can be happy with a draw, so both Nippley and we will have to pull the attacking card.

Squad Status

Palermo

Budan is still watching ‘Quelli che…Il Calcio’ from home, gobbling down supersized Royale with Cheese-menus, and last week’s surprise Levan is out for a month. Added to that is the absence of Fabio Liverani. The good news is that Miccolino is back, after taking care of his ingrowing pubic hairs.

Probable Lineup:
Amelia; Cassani, Carrozieri, Bovo, Balzaretti; Bresciano, Migliaccio, Nocerino; Simplicio; Miccoli, Cavani.

Napoli

The fine fellows over at the Napoli Offside promised to do a preview, so I guess you’ll get more info there. Quick summary: Iezzo injured, Mannini banned, Datolo not cleared for competition yet.

Probable Lineup:
Navarro; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Contini; Maggio, Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik, Vitale; Lavezzi, Denis.

Categorical Matchup

I Heart Man City vs. Argentine 1: Palermo. There’s a reason why this guy is Nippley’s third goalie. I mean, do you see us playing Ujkani?

The Complete Package vs. Nice, really nice: Push. In theory, this is our strongest backline, with Balza back on the left, and the Two Towers in the centre. Caroz’ will have to step it up a notch. Napoli’s backline is talented, but with Miccolino and Cavani, three might be not enough.

Bald, Bald, Beard, Brown vs. Superhuman: Napoli. This is one hell of a fine Napoli-midfield. Except for Maggio. And Vitale. Meh, still better than our heap of inconsistent boys from the Southern hemisphere.

Best thing since sliced bread vs. The Argentines: Palermo. I don’t give this prediction a lot, but this one is ours. Cavani is shaping up to become a star, while Lavezzi isn’t performing all that well, and Denis needs to prove himself.

Final Analysis

Losing is not an option. Yeah, I know, I’ve said it about 1524 times already this season. But this is really the game that could end it all. Losing this would mean going to Reggio with no selfesteem whatsoever. Right now, Napoli is a 21-year old, drunk girl, wearing a short skirt, stay-up nylons and high heels, walking trough a dark alley all by herself.

Form Guide

Palermo
WWWLL

Napoli
LLLDD

Previous Encounters:

Last year, 2-1. That’ll do

Prediction
2-1. Don’t care who, as long as it happens.

MOTM:

Team effort.