Palermo. "Aquile Salenti"

[IRE-ENG-OX4]

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[Katarinaccio]

Match Report

Hello ladies and gentlemen its your favourite commentator once again Alfonso Vanucci. Today we have part two of the Belgian Tour of Sicily's pride US Palermo as they take on RSC Anderlecht. Last week the rosaneri achieved a result against Standard Liege another heavy hitter of the Belgian league. Will they be able to do it again? Stay tuned and you will find out very soon

So here is Palermo's starting line-up.
On The Bench
ST 19. D. Succi
ST 77. D. Lanzafame
CB 15. P. Dellafiore
CDM 8. G. Migliaccio
GK 12. A. Fontana



Players to Watch Out For: RSC Anderlecht
ST 9. Nicolas Frutos

1' KICK OFF!!
1' On the attack right away recovering the ball. Budan storms up right in to the 18 but the ball is tackle away for a corner
2' It comes to nothing, Anderlecht recover possession
7' Excellent ball from Bresciano!! Budan is through and clear..Excellent recovery from the defense, Budan is tackled before he can shoot. another corner
8' Nothing once more, Anderlecht will have to be careful about giving away opportunities like this it could prove quite dangerous
10' Great pass from Nocerino..Budan is past the defense who seem to be playing very high! one-on-one with the goalie! He over ran the ball and the keeper came and smother it away.
17' Polak beats Carrozzieri and moves out wide in the break away! His Cross....cleared away by Bovo. Good defending, throw in for Anderlecht
19' Snap recovery and long pass to Budan who has the time and space in behind the defense!. One-on-One. He gets the shot away! Parried wide
20' Balzaretti recovers, beats the wide man and cuts in! Pass to Miccoli, one touch to settle the other to shoot! Hit wide from 10 yards out
23' Blocked shot! corner for Anderlecht
23' The cross finds Frutos but he heads it over the bar.
25' Excellent early cross to Frutos! The header, off the upright, and cleared.
25' Anderlecht recover the ball just out side the 18 on the left flank!
26' Poor cross in, Nocerino recovers and sprints out with the ball.
26' He finds Budan again, In behind the defense!!! the shot!! Well wide.
31' Nocerino is illegaly tackled 26 yards out. Miccoli steps up, he's scored from this range before.
31' Off the wall and cleared.
44' Budan...Misses again. This is becoming an all too familiar scene. they should be up by 7 at this point.
45' Nocerino is fouled again 37 yards out. Miccoli looks like he's going to hit this one.
45' Off the wall up and into the keepers hands.
45' HALF TIME
45' SECOND HALF!
48' Budan is in behind the defense! his effort this time is on target though from a difficult angle. Saved and cleared away. Cassani is unable to control. Throw In to Anderlecht.
54' Liverani attempts a shot from outside the 18!!! Wide.
59' SUBSTITUTION Anderlecht: Gillet, Losada OUT. Boussoufa, Goor IN
59' Throw In sets up a shot for Nocerino! Blocked by a defender. Corner Kick.
60' Cross is cleared by the defense! Cassani reinitiates the attack.61' Liverani is brought down 35 Yards out. Another chance for Miccoli
60' Into the wall once more.
63' The counter attack leads to a corner for Anderlecht.
70' Nocerino is in cranks one from 20 yards!. Parried wide, Corner
71' Cross is in, Nocerino miss hits it falls to his feet one touch. GOAL! Nocerino's put the ball in the back of the net 1-0 Palermo.
73' Miccoli Breaks through, tackled and cleared for a corner.
74' Ball is cleared and falls to Balzaretti who is fouled before he can shoot.
74' 20 yards out for Miccoli again. Can he do it this time?
74' YES HE CAN GOAL!!! brillian curling shot from Fabrizio Miccoli. Palermo 2 Anderlecht 0
77' SUBSTITUTION Palermo: Budan OUT. Succi IN
78' SUBSTITUTION Anderlecht: Biglia OUT. Vlcek IN
78' Thrown in for anderlecht quick Cross. Palermo's defenders are left standing still GOAL. Headed in by Frutos..Where was Palermos defense they allowed the cross to bounce in the 18 yard box and there was nothing keeper Amelia could do about the effort from Nicolas Frutos.
80' Miccoli Runs wide right, receives the ball then cuts in. He dances around the defense and aims at far post! the ball bounces off the upright. how unlucky.

[Katarinaccio]

Full Time Report

RSC Anderlecht 1 - 2 Palermo
8 Shots 22
1 Shots On Target 9
52% Possession 48%
6 Fouls 3
4 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
1 Offsides 1
3 Corners 6

Goals By:
Nocerino [Palermo] 71'
Miccoli [Palermo] 74'
Chatelle [Anderlecht] 78'

Disciplinary Action:
Yellow Cards: Wasilewski [RSCA], Polak [RSCA], Van Damme [RSCA], Juhasz [RSCA]
Red Cards: None

Man of the Match
Antonio Nocerino
Match Rating: 9

[SAFC_Broady]

Some nice updates KIU

PS. I hope Amelia is better for you than for me on my Everton MM!

[Katarinaccio]

Season Set to Begin!
Palermo's Manager Prepares for the Long Haul

A week after a 2-1 victory in a friendly match against RSC Anderlecht, coach Davide Ballardini and his Palermo squad returned Sicily in preparation for their league opening match at Siena. Ballardini spoke to a reporter outside a training session.

Reporter: Mr. Ballardini, it could be seen that the team improved as they continued the tours of Scotland and Belgium. Do you think they will continue that into the season? And if so what do you think your chances of winning the Squidetto are?
Ballardini: Well you know when the players have been on break for the summer they rest their legs so when they get back they need to warm up and bit and just get ready for the season that usually takes some time which is why i like to use these pre-season friendlies to get everyone in shape and give the younger fellows some playing time. If we continue to improve, then we have just as good a chance as any top half team. It won't be easy but we can certainly do it.
Reporter: Do you have any ideas right now as to players you might want to bring to the squad or any large changes you might want to make in the line-up?
Ballardini: Yes I've been mulling over options and prospective signings with my assistants and scouts and I'm glad to say we have a few changes in mind but I'll save those for match day. But If you don't mind I have to get back. We've got a bit of work to do.
Reporter: Thank you for your time and we'll be looking forward to hearing from you on opening day.

[Katarinaccio]

Transfer News!
Big Moves to Be Made

It was announced today that US Palermo have made an offer for Sampdoria Defender Pietro Accardi. Manager Davide Bombardini has acknowledged the issue of an aging defense line. With the youngest starting defenseman Mattia Cassani being 25 and the rest of the defense approaching the wrong side of 30.If the offer is successful Accardi may start or prove an able-bodied substitute in-case of injury to any of the back line.

Along this offer was another made to Real Madrid for midfielder Fernando Gago. The 22 year old Argentinian would serve as a replacement for holding midfielder Giulio Migliaccio who is said to be on his way out. Gago would prove to be a great signing for Ballardini, as he can play as a tradition Center Midfielder, A Defensive one, or out on the flank as a Right Midfielder. It would seem that Ballardini is stacking up on Young talent. He already has 21 year old italian striker Davide Lanzafame, and 23 year old Uruguayan striker Edison Cavani.

Players leaving the club other than Migliaccio are Davide Succi, and Samuele Romeo who is going out on loan.

[Katarinaccio]

Match Day 1: Palermo @ Siena
August 31st 2008

Hi, I'm Alfonso Vanucci and I'd like to welcome you all to today's season opener, Palermo vs Siena at Stadio Artemio Franchi. Looking to have a good start to the season is manager Davide Ballardini who is expected to elevate the rosaneri to a top four finish this year. In the Pre-season his team has shown quite a bit of improvement and his star player so far Antonio Nocerino shows no signs of stopping his recent run of brilliant form.

There will be a new Match reporting format we will no longer provide live reports but rather at half time and full time all the relevant statistics will be shown and there will by a summary and analysis that I will present. So without further adieu I bring to you the Starting Line-up for Palermo.

On The Bench:
GK 12. A. Fontana
RWB 16. M. Cassani
CB 15. P. Dellafiore
ST 20. I. Budan
CB 5. C. Bovo
CDM 8. G. Migliaccio
CM 22. L. Di Matteo



Players to Watch: Siena
Forward: Massimo Maccarone

Midfielder: Paul Codrea

[Katarinaccio]

Full Time Report
Siena 2 - 0 Palermo
17 Shots 7
12 Shots On Target 1
58% Possession 42%
1 Fouls 3
1 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
0 Offsides 0
1 Corners 0

Goals By:
E. Calaio [Siena] 32', 45'

Disciplinary Action:
S. Vergassola [Siena] YC

Substitutions:
45' Raggi, Cavani OUT. Budan, Bovo IN [Palermo]
57' Vergassola, Rossi OUT. Jarolim, Del Grosso IN [Siena]

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First Half Highlights

It would appear from the current standing that the new formation introduced by Manager Davide Ballardini is not working too well as twice his defenders were caught out of position and twice did those mistakes lead to a goal. Aside from that Palermo were been unable to Maintain possession in the bottom 20 minutes of the the first half.

Their play all together seems rather sluggish so far, multiple poor passes but unlike before their shooting has improved. Aside from the first effort on goal by Fabio Liverani. Palermo have been looking dangerous in the seldom seen opportunities they have had.

It is expected that there might be a formation change in the second half to one that is more comfortable for the team overall and will allow a less crowded midfield to free Palermo's forwards and midfielders.

If they are able to harness the ability of Fabrizio Miccoli to find space and create opportunities for other players then they might have a chance to pull even in the next half.

Second Half
The second half was much more like the first with Siena hoarding possession and Palermo scrambling in defense everytime. Though a change in formation and the introduction of defender Cesare Bovo. Saw the defense reform and stay solid for the rest of the match.

Things never got going in the offensive edge. ST Budan was anonymous. Miccoli was off his touch. Nocerino was kept out by the defense. and most of the time they were unable to string passes along to one another.

[Katarinaccio]

Match Day 2: Palermo @ Siena
August 31st 2008

Hi, I'm Alfonso Vanucci here to bring you Battle of the Sicilian Rivals Palermo and Catania. Though they had a poor showing in their opener at Siena. Palermo certainly have had the advantage in recent years and if they can pull the result out for this match it will certainly provide a boost for the players and fans alike. Coach Davide Ballardini will definitely be upset due to the loss of the able bodied Giulio Migliaccio who recently sold to Lazio in the transfer window. He will be especially unhappy as both his transfer bids for Fernando Gago of Real Madrid and Pietro Accardi of Sampdoria both fell apart. He will have to make due with the players he has until the January transfer window.

Ballardini will certainly be looking to change up his formation to maximize the involvement of Antonio Nocerino and Fabrizio Miccoli who are proving to be the sides most dangerous players. He will be hoping also that his forwards will be able to put the ball on target, as they're recent runs have seen them waste opportunities. One can only wonder when Edison Cavani and Igor Budan might be replaced with Davide Lanzafame or the youngster Levan Mchedlidze.


On The Bench:
GK 12. A. Fontana
RWB 16. M. Cassani
CB 15. P. Dellafiore
ST 20. I. Budan
ST 77. D Lanzafame
CDM 14. R. Guana
ST 79. L. Mchedlidze



Players to Look Out For: Catania
Forward Giuseppe Mascara

Midfielder Pablo Ledesma

[Valo]

Good luck, 3-0 to the Pinkies

[Katarinaccio]

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/itv_sport_wc_logo.gif

Half Time Report
Palermo 3 - 0 Catania
9 Shots 8
7 Shots On Target 6
50% Possession 50%
4 Fouls 5
0 Yellow Cards 2
0 Red Cards 0
0 Offsides 1
0 Corners 0

Goals By:
E. Cavani 26', 70', 90'

Disciplinary Action:
J. Martinez [Catania] YC
E. Carboni [Catania] YC

Substitutions:
57' M. Paolucci, C. Silvestri OUT. G. Spinesi, M. Silvestre IN [Catania]
75' F. Liverani, F. Miccoli OUT. R. Guana, L. Mchedlidze IN [Palermo]
81' L. Stovini OUT. M. Izco IN [Catania]

Man of the Match
http://www.ilpalermocalcio.it/img/giocatori/7/4962/scheda.jpg
Edison Cavani
Match Rating 9

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First Half Highlights
[Sorry for the lalalala quality I'll get that fixed next match]

Palermo have opened the match with a more relaxed approach to attack. Having few chances and playing a slow build up and it has paid off so far. Both teams have managed to remain even in terms of possession. There have been no real opportunities for Catania aside from a freekick that curled wide. Mark Bresciano has had an excellent game so far, having the only effort for his team aside from the goal scored by Cavani. He has been holding the ball up well on the right side and linking up properly with Andrea Raggi in both defense and attack. All that is left is for better delivery to Edison Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli.

What remains to be seen however is whether or not Ballardini will instruct his side to man the battlements and ride the rest of the match out for a 1 nil victory.

Second Half Highlights

If anyone had doubts about Palermo's ability to score goals, those doubts were put to rest in the second half. Davide Ballardini, set loose the Rosaneri front line when many were expecting him to hold back and defend. The Palermo defense held solid and allowed few chances Catania's frontmen Spinesi, Paolucci, Martinez and Mascara. Goalkeeper Marco Amelia did have to work on a few occasions to keep his clean sheet. But the real story of the match was Edison Cavani. The Uruguayan forward had been dropped in the pre-season matches in favour of Igor Budan who was less than impressive. Cavani proved today why he should have the top spot scoring a hat trick. Two of his goals were headed in with brilliant placement and under pressure from defenders showcasing his strength in the air. However the striker also showed his ability on the ground breaking past the last man after an eye-of-a-needle pass from Mark Bresciano. The first shot came off of the goal keeper and second came off the crossbar the third was surely in.

Fabrizio Miccoli did remain somewhat dangerous constantly providing the ball to Cavani until the match was secure and he was replaced by Levan Mchedlidze, the young Georgian. Although he did not touch much of the ball Mchedlidze did show promise for the future by setting up Edison Cavani for his third goal of the match. Certainly Davide Ballardini won't be thinking about changing this line-up any time soon.

[Katarinaccio]

Originally Posted by Valo

Good luck, 3-0 to the Pinkies

Good Call =]. Didn't get video for the third goal..EA Server discoed.

[Katarinaccio]

Match Day 3: Palermo @ Sampdoria
August 31st 2008

Hi, I'm Alfonso Vanucci here to bring you this weeks match up Palermo away to Sampdoria. After a convincing 3-0 victory against their rivals Catania. Palermo will certainly be looking to continue their good form and build up a base of points against less notable teams like Sampdoria if they wish to compete with the bigger clubs in the league. Davide Ballardini anounced that there would be no changes to the side that faced Catania at home. Which leaves Edison Cavani in the starting line-up hoping that he might continue his scoring with 3 goals already so far this season.

Sampdoria will not be as easy to break down or defend as they have a solid background. Including Pietro Accardi, who was a transfer target for the Rosaneri. And Antonio Cassano, "l'enfante terrible" who is the heart and soul of the Sampdorian offense. Antonio Nocerino and Fabio Simplicio will have their hands full trying to handle him.

On The Bench:
GK 12. A. Fontana
RWB 16. M. Cassani
CB 15. P. Dellafiore
ST 20. I. Budan
ST 77. D Lanzafame
CDM 14. R. Guana
ST 79. L. Mchedlidze



Players to Look Out For: Sampdoria
Forward Antonio Cassano

Midfielder Daniele Franceschini

[Katarinaccio]

Half Time Report
Sampdoria 0 - 1 Palermo
20 Shots 2
10 Shots On Target 2
53% Possession 47%
1 Fouls 0
1 Yellow Cards 0
0 Red Cards 0
3 Offsides 1
4 Corners 0

Goals By:
F. Miccoli 26'

Disciplinary Action:
M. Stankevicius [Sampdora] YC

Substitutions:
57' S. Lucchini OUT. J. Bottinelli IN [Sampdoria]
67' M. Pieri OUT. R. Ziegler IN [Sampdoria]
90' A. Cassano OUT. C. Bellucc IN [Sampdoria
90' F. Liverani, E. Cavani OUT. R. Guana, L Mchedlidze IN [Palermo]

Man of the Match
Moris Carrozzieri
Match Rating 9
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First Half Highlights [Give it some time if it says processing]

The first half saw Sampdoria hoarding possession of the ball, but failing to capitalize. It only took one real opportunity for Palermo to score and surely Davide Ballardini will be happy with that. However with Sampdoria having 54% of the possession it is obvious that if they want to survive it will be necessary to take the ball back and keep it. On multiple occasions Antonio Cassano has threatened the Palermo goal along side his teammate Emiliano Bonazzoli who had the best chance of the match barely missing an open goal after Marco Amelia misjudged a cross.

Edison Cavani has been convincing so far having set Miccoli up for the tap in, and nearly putting one away himself. The real test will come in the second half however when Sampdoria turn up the attack. The midfield is where the battle is and right now Stankevicius, Dessena, Franceschini, Pieri and Sammarco are showing superior strength and passing capabilities. But once it breaks to the defensive line Carrozzieri and Bovo are menacing to say the least. Cassano and Bonazzoli have had to fight for every opportunity and Davide Ballardini will want to keep it that way.
No Second Half Highlights

The second half saw Sampdoria crank up the attack. Constantly pressuring Palermo's defenders forcing them to make errors in the defensive third. It became nearly impossible to set up an attack for the Aquile. Moris Carrozzieri had one of the greatest defensive showings this season blocking every major opportunity and making life hell for anyone who came into the defensive third. He was a commanding figure in the air and on the ground. Even when they overloaded their attack, having a 5 man midfield plus 2 forwards Sampdoria were unable to crack the fortress of Carrozzieri, Bovo, Balzaretti and Raggi. They were restricted to long range efforts that were all in all easy for Amelia or missed by a distance.

[Katarinaccio]

Second Half was too boring for vids. but it was the first time a team has shot 20 times at me.

[Katarinaccio]

Going to have some more articles up later on before Chelsea and WBA. I'm going to add some more to the OP as well on the teams history, and their fans.
-Katarinacchio