Preview: Palermo – Siena

By: lorenzo | December 11th, 2008

Il Genio
Sunday, December 14th, 2008 15.00
Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo

I warriors, brigate rosanero, siamo forti e vinceremo!

Preview

Well, do I need to explain what happened last week? No. In fact, I think somebody, ANYBODY owes US an explanation for the highway robbery that took place in Cagliari. You would’ve thought that Ray Charles was reffing the game with his assistant Stevie Wonder. If that were the case, then they’d have an excuse. Nonetheless, the loss at Cagliari was just another series of “misfortunate” events for Palermo this year. Of course, the powers that be claim there is no problem. Others say that these things even out over the course of a season. Yet, the likelihood of us making up even half of the points we lost as a result of the officiating is about as realistic as Liverani beating Usain Bolt in a 100 meter dash.

Palermo has reached the breaking point. The president, the team and the city as a whole are fed up with this atrocity called “officiating”. In fact, the fans are standing behind Zamparini’s impassioned assault on the talking heads who are making the decisions. The tifosi have made shirts that say “Io sto con Zamparini” to express their solidarity behind the President and club.

So, with all that, Palermo returns back home to the fiery atmosphere of the Barbera. I suspect the fans will be louder than ever as the rosanero try to bag a full 3 points away from another team with ~~unique~~ unoriginal jerseys. The question is, how will the squad respond to last week’s events?

Siena has been fantastic and unbeaten at home. However, on the road, it’s a different story: 1 win, 1 draw and 6 losses. The goal for Siena this year has to been avoid relegation; their surprising results really don’t change that goal – it just merely gives them some breathing room that they haven’t had in years past. Therefore, Palermo need to take the full three points…for a number of reasons: 1) We’re still only 3 points out of Europe; 2) we need to keep up with the pack; 3) we need to get over the unjust defeat from a week ago; 4) we need to produce results against the lesser sides of Serie A; and 5) IT’S SIENA: The bianconero that doesn’t command respect much like Roma isn’t one of the “bigs” in Serie A.

Squad Status

Palermo

From what I can tell (the “convocati” have not been named yet), Palermo will only be missing our main man “Eyebrows” Miccoli (Budan doesn’t count). And the word “only” is obviously intended sarcasm. After the match against Cagliari, Miccoli said some things that hurt the ref Banti’s feelings. Banti didn’t like it very much and forgot about the old adage that Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. So, of course, we found out several days later that Miccoli was banned for not one, but TWO games for talking. I’m sure Vieri has said worse things to a dirty, 53 year old hooker that received a softer penalty. Just add that to the growing list of absurdities towards our club. So, who will be pairing up with Cavani up front? Furthermore, will Lanzafame see more than 3 minutes and 21 seconds on the pitch?

Probable Lineup:
Amelia; Cassani, Carrozzieri, Bovo, Balzaretti; Nocerino, Liverani, Bresciano, Simplicio; Cavani, Succi (?)

Siena

I believe Matthew of La Robur could have a preview up in time for the game. Basically, all I can say is “Calaiò”…because he’s our boy from Palermo. He’s not starting…but considering their options in attack are about as initimidating as a 12 year old boy just hitting puberty, they might as well give Emanuele an opportunity to start.

Probable Lineup:
Curci; Zuniga, Rossettini, Portanova, Del Grosso; Vergassola, Coppola, Galloppa; Kharja; Ghezzal, Maccarone

Categorical Matchup

Playstation vs. Roman Waste: Palermo. The Roman ~~by-~~product couldn’t even unseat Doni! That should tell you enough right there. However, he did make some impressive saves last week to keep the Napoli scoreline seem closer than the game actually was. Meanwhile, Amelia is finally coming around.

Braveheart & Bovo vs. Who?: Palermo. Siena has given up 12 goals away from home. They have a great defense by statistical standards, but then again, much of that is due to their success at home. Guess what? We’re playing IN Palermo! Expect Moris & Co. to feast on the toothless Siena attack…unless, of course, some sort of penalty is magically awarded as seems to be custom against Palermo these days.

Fozzy, 2 & a Magic Carpet Ride vs. ‘Ola, ‘Ola, ‘Oppa!: Palermo. Once more, Palermo’s midfield is at full strength. Yes, we have Liverani…who statistically passes the ball often and on-target but we all know stats don’t tell the whole story. Siena’s midfield is as exciting as taking a Physics exam.

No Eyebrows! vs. Impotence & Arab Virgins: Push. We don’t have Miccoli running around wreaking havoc and firing laser beams on goal. We have Cavani running around…alot…and working hard…but not reaping the benefits as consistently as we’d like. Luckily, Siena’s attack could use a subscription to Cialis. They just can’t seem to get it up…I mean, in the back of the net. It’ll be interesting to see who gets on the scoresheet.

Final Analysis

This game is basically a must win. Points at home are vital. While only one point separates us from Siena, we’re also within striking distance of Europe. All we need to do is find a goal from somewhere and someone. Siena should not be causing that many problems for our defence. Palermo should take comfort in the fact that they’re at home – even without the magic of Miccoli, three points should not be out of the question.

Form Guide

Palermo
LLDWL

Siena
LDLWL

Prediction
1-0. Moris.

MOTM:

Moris Carrozzieri

Remembering the Good Times