Preview: Worst Team in Serie A - Second Worst Team in Serie A

By: Steven | February 14th, 2008

I’m copying the Channel 4-preview this week, as a result of my lack of time. If you’re working for a magazine, you gotta put other things a little bit on hold. Expect me to be back soon.

Francesco Guidolin and his team of “little girls” face a decisive match in their season, as failure to beat bottom of the table Cagliari could well see him sacked.

On Tuesday President Maurizio Zamparini flew in for a brief but intense talk with the squad and was expected to fire the Coach after insulting him in the Press. Among other choice quotes he called the players “little girls” and said he was going to give them all “a kick in the backside.”

Guidolin has to be on his last chance after losing four of the last five games, but he couldn’t be in a worse situation going into this game, as Fabrizio Miccoli, Amauri and Roberto Guana are all suspended. This leaves precious few options upfront, so Edison Cavani should get space a fortnight after a touchline row with the tactician, backed by Mark Bresciano and Bosko Jankovic.

Cagliari would have been easy pickings a month ago, but for the first time this season they have gone three games on the trot unbeaten. It would be remarkable if the Sardinians managed to avoid relegation after such a disastrous start, but they are still propping up the table.

Joaquin Larrivey looks set to keep his place upfront despite a disastrous performance where he was booed off the field last week. Jeda scored his first goal for the club in that 1-1 draw with Parma and receives support from Pasquale Foggia.

History is on Cagliari’s side, as they haven’t lost here since December 2004 and came away with a splendid 3-1 victory last season, albeit aided by Giuseppe Biava’s first half dismissal. The record between the teams at the Barbera is totally balanced with two wins and two draws apiece.

Keep an eye on: Alberto Fontana (Palermo) – His spectacular saves, including a Francesco Tavano penalty, have been the only things keeping the Rosanero afloat.

Last season: Palermo 1-3 Cagliari

Form guide: Palermo (L L L W L) Cagliari (L L W D D)

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Palermo (probable): Fontana; Zaccardo, Biava, Barzagli, Balzaretti; Simplicio, Migliaccio, Caserta; Jankovic, Bresciano; Cavani

Cagliari (probable): Storari; Ferri, Lopez, Bianco, Agostini; Biondini, Conti, Parola; Foggia, Jeda; Larrivey