Preview: Palermo – Genoa

By: Steven | September 18th, 2008

Sunday, September 21st, 2008 15.00
Stadio La Favorità, Palermo

Overview

Second “big and important” game in 8 days. The Roma-game was all about not ending up where Milan and Cagliari are right now, and we did what needed to be done. The Genoa-game is all about keeping the momentum floating and trying to get a place among the top 5 from the start of the season. Beating a direct competitor for UEFA-football along the way could provide extra sweetness. As if those two reasons weren’t good enough, there’s also the battle of two nutty presidents. Not that Preziosi, or the Toy Baron if you like that more, is as crazy as Zampa, but he ain’t sane either. And then there’s even more. Foschi. I’m still pissed he signed for the Grifoni, even if he’s gone by now.

But let’s not call eachother Sandy, we all know this game is as tough as trying to crap a smooth one after a night of binge drinking. Ricci, I know you know what I mean. Genoa were a tough team last year (remember that 3-3 thriller at the Marassi?), and now they seem to be even tougher. Even without Marco ‘my GF loves to suck the cock’ Borriello up front. Ballardini will have to work the magic again. I can imagine him standing in the dressing room before the game, while the players are lining up to rub his bald head for good luck.

Squad Status

Palermo

Miccoli seems to have recovered from his Miccoli-problems, and should be ready to wreck havoc on the Genoa-defense. As for our defense, Morris did well so I see him starting again. We are still missing Budan and Kjaer, but no worries. And no signs of Guana. I love Ballardini.

Probable Lineup:
Amelia; Cassani, Carrozzieri, Bovo, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Liverani, Nocerino, Simplicio, Cavani, Miccoli

Genoa

Why don’t you guys head over to the brand newGenoa-blog for that?

Probable Lineup:
Rubinho; Biava, Ferrari, Criscito; Mesto, Milanetto, Juric, Modesto; Sculli, Milito, Gasbarroni

Categorical Matchup

Caesar vs. He Be Good ush. Amelia is starting to find his talents back, but Rubinho is playing like a motherfucker as well. I don’t see any of them going wrong.

Badass Boys vs. Young Talents: Push. We looked pretty decent against Roma, but Genoa have the terrible two Criscito and Ferrari. That’s a dream defense, guys. But Carroz and Bovo will eat the Genoa-attack alive, I hope.

Keep the Turd on the Bench! vs. Mediocrity: Palermo. Nocerino is evolving into the player we all wanted him to evolve into, and with Simplicio and Bresciano looking better than ever, there’s no way Genoa can outplay us in midfield.

Eyebrow Attack vs. Milito: Push. Scared is not the word, but I’m still not feeling all that confident about our attacking strenght. i’m just hoping that bagging three against Roma wasn’t a once in a season-event. Milito might be one of the most dangerous players in all of Serie A, so we better keep him locked.

Final Analysis

It’s gonna be tight. It’s gonna be as tight as me trying to wear a small-sized shirt. If we score first and then try to play our best catenaccio, we can send the Grifoni back to Genova empty handed. But letting Milito fire at will (as did our defense in the 3-3) is like having a death wish.

Form Guide

Palermo
LW

Genoa
LW

Past Encounters

22/03/2008 Palermo Genoa 2-3 Serie A
04/11/2007 Genoa Palermo 3-3 Serie A
01/05/2004 Palermo Genoa 3-1 Serie B
28/11/2003 Genoa Palermo 1-1 Serie B

Prediction

We can do this if we keep our heads cool.

2-1. Miccoli, Nocerino, Milito.

MOTM

Antonio.

Sono Bello, Sono Sano, Mia Madre Mi Ha Fatto Palermitano!