Rosanero struggling for consistency
Palermo have been one of the most exciting Serie A sides in this edition of Serie A but Delio Rossi’s men are struggling for consistency. Rosanero were dumped out of the Europa League last week in the group stage and the resultant hangover ended in a 1 –
0 defeat to fellow champions League hopefuls SSC Napoli.
For all their attacking potential, Palermo’s major problem is their inability to register back-to-back victories. The defeat to Napoli ended Palermo’s three-match winning streak. As things stand, Rosanero are placed seventh in the League table with 23 points
from 15 games; four points off Partenopei who occupy the last Champions League spot.
Maurizio Zamparini has forged himself a reputation for letting go of his managers at most inappropriate of times and Delio Rossi will want to return to winning ways at the earliest. Rosanero have registered just four victories at home from eight home games
they have played thus far and Delio Rossi will have to make Stadio Renzo Barbera a fortress if they are to finish in the top four.
Ducali recovering from earlier slump
Ducali started their season on the wrong footing and many tipped them to struggle in the early goings. Injuries to key players such as Sebastian Giovinco and Antonio Candreva have not helped Ducali cause either. To their credit however, Parma have pulled
themselves clear of relegation zone with three victories from their last give league outings.
Pasquale Marino’s men are 15th in the standings with 18 points from opening fifteen rounds. As things stand, Ducali are six points clear of the relegation zone but Marino will have to warn his men against complacency. Parma will want to accumulate
40 points at the earliest – the psychological safety zone.
The trip to Sicily comes with Ducali playing well of late. Pasquale Marino’s men went down to Inter Milan on match day 14 before registering a 2 – 1 victory against in-form Zebrette. Ducali were unlucky against Inter as despite creating numerous opportunities,
Hernan Crespo and co. were unable to finish them off and Inter won by a 5 – 2 score line. Should Parma take to the pitch with the same spirit, they can ask serious questions off Palermo rearguard.
Team News
US Palermo
Deli Rossi will miss the services of youngsters Abel Hernandez, Matteo Darmian and Joao Pedro for this game as the trio is out injured. The Rosanero tactician will have to tweak his defence to accommodate the suspensions Moris Carrozzieri and Mattia Cassani.
Parma FC
Ducali will have to do without the services of Marques, Alberto Paloschi and Daniele Galloppa as the aforementioned players are injured while Francesco Valiani is suspended for the tie.
Key Players
Javier Pastore
The Argentine sensation has been of the players of the season thus far but failed to turn up against Napoli. The poor performance left Zamparini furious and the player was singled out for criticism by the president. Pastore will want to get back into Zamparini’s
good books and should he manage to find his stride, Ducali have little chance of getting a result.
Hernan Crespo
The Veteran scored a brace against Udinese last week proving that his legendary penalty box intelligence is still intact. Crespo will make things difficult for an inexperienced Rosanero defence with his clever running and off the ball movement.
Prediction
The attacking players that Palermo have at their disposal are Champions League quality and Ducali are no match for them. Javier Pastore will bounce back tonight as Palermo will walk out a 3 – 0 victory.
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