Palermo grabs the win after three fine Fontana saves; one to deny Tavano from the spot; (the old man still has the moves!) and one phenomenal piece of skill by Miccoli.  Livorno created little and had even less response when they went behind.  Overall three points for the Rosanero but not a great game at all.  

 

A fine Saturday afternoon in Sicily at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.  Mainly empty but the Ultras were there.  The atmosphere was tense as Palermo was still winless in 2008 as the game kicked off. 

 

Guidolin finally sees the light and alters his formation to give Amauri some help.  The 451 is replaced with a more attacking 352.  Fontana keeps goal behind a back three of Zaccardo, Barzagli and Biava.  Simplicio loses his place and the five man midfield sees a start for Cavani on the right, Guana, Migliaccio, Caserta and new signing Balzaretti on the left.  Amauri gets a partner in Miccoli up front. 

 

Camolese has to make do without all his squad to choose from so makes a few changes from the side that narrowly lost last week.  Defence in mind Amelia keeps goal behind a back three of Pavan, Knezevic and Galante.  Balleri, Vidigal, Pulzetti, Loviso and Pasquale string themselves out across the middle and up front Bogdani gets a start alongside Tavano. 

 

Palermo has the bulk of the possession in the first half, as befits the home side.  They really don't do that much with it. 

Cavani and Miccoli are the fulcrums around which the Rosanero attack and Amauri is a constant and willing runner. 

Cavani has the best chances but lacks a precise finish.  Miccoli delivers some nice dead balls but Livorno is equal to the task, Pavan doing well to make some key challenges and blocks in the first half. 

Vidigal has a chance for the visitors but fires wide.  Amauri has a few more chances than the Portuguese but the result is the same. 

The best chance of the first half is a Livorno one, good interplay between the two front men, Tavano chips the ball into the path of Bogdani who sees his powerful volley come off the firm hand of Fontana, a fine reaction save. 

Amauri's running and Amelia's mistake cause chaos in the Livorno area but Amelia manages to regain his composure and make a stop. 

Late in the half Livorno apply some pressure and Tavano forces a fine diving save from Fontana.  As injury time starts Zaccardo's arms come up to deflect a Livorno shot and Bergonzi points to the spot. 

Harsh, perhaps? 

Tavano measures his shot and is well read by Fontana; the veteran has to be quick to reach the ball but gets down well to parry the ball wide. 

 

 

Both sides come out as they went in. 

 

The goal chances and half chances of the first half don't materialize early in the second, a turgid first fifteen minutes sees little to delight the eye.  Plenty of mistakes; from both sides; a lack of imagination in attack from Palermo and no desire to go forward from Livorno are the mainstay.  The only bright spot is a sweet move from Palermo, Balzaretti plays the ball inside to Miccoli who measures a ball into the path of Zaccardo's cutting run from the left, the fullback's shot is powerful and his aim is just off. 

Substitutions from either side bring an element of excitement into the game.  This is mainly due to the confusion created in trying to identify which of the three shaven headed Palermo midfielders actually has the ball.

MIGLIACCIO


GUANA


BRESCIANO - AN OZZIE!

Palermo does apply pressure, more to keep the whistles from their fans quiet than any great desire or fire in the team. 

A series of corners and aimless balls into the well defended Livorno area finally comes good.  A corner kick comes in from the Livorno left and bounces around in front of the six yard box until it is hacked clear, Miccoli has been hanging back for just such an opportunity, his first touch takes the pace of the ball and drops it into the perfect spot for him to execute a blindingly fast turn, his whipped and powerful volley is low and true, despite the desperate hand that Amelia gets to the ball.  His delight is obvious and the tifosi roar!

MICCOLI : STUNNING GOAL

The goal changes nothing much for Livorno; stuck in defensive mode they trouble the home side little as the game winds down.  Palermo professionally slows the game down, drop like flies when challenged and retain possession.  Zaccardo and Amauri come close late on but the points were in the bag as soon as the first goal went in. 

 

Guidolin may be a 'dead man walking' but he still has half a season to re-impress the owner.  The move to a more attacking 352 paid dividends with the points if not the performance.  Balzaretti ran well up and down the left and provide a good outlet for the Rosanero.  Cavani impressed with his movement and vision, Miccoli bagged an important goal but Fontana came through with three great saves to keep a clean sheet.  A result that can allow Guidolin and Palermo to build for the trip to Torino next week. 

 

Livorno had their chances and was denied by Fontana.  Then they just shut down and played for a point.  A bad tactic which cost them the points.  Bogdani and Tavano were bright and dangerous; apart from the telegraphed penalty kick.  The team does defend well but need the flexibility to play more than a counter attacking game if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight.  Another poor showing against Genoa will see Livorno drop into trouble. 

 

Some referees wouldn't have given the penalty, some would.  In a game that lacked fire the referee did OK.  . 

 

 

Palermo:-

Fontana

Zaccardo

Barzagli

Biava

Cavani (Bresciano 63)

Guana

Migliaccio

Caserta

Balzaretti

Miccoli (Cassani 92)

Amauri

 

Goals:-

Miccoli 76

 

Bookings:-

 

 

Livorno:-

Amelia

Pavan

Knezevic

Galante

Balleri (Alvarez 80)

Vidigal

Pulzetti

Loviso (E Filippini 63)

Pasquale

Tavano

Bogdani (Rossini 77)

 

Bookings:-

Pavan

Loviso

Vidigal

 

Goals:-

 

Referee:-

Bergonzi

Pictures courtesy of IlPalermocalcio.it

Livorno give a good account of themselves but some stunning finishing at one end and a failure to take chances at the other give Juventus a less than stellar three points.    

 

Stadio Armando Picchi was vocal in the late Sunday fixture.  Livorno's proximity to Turin allowed plenty of Bianconeri tifosi to add their vocals to a good atmosphere despite the chilly night. 

 

Amaranto manager Camolese picks an attack minded side to take on Juventus.  Amelia keeps goal.  Grandoni, Knezevic and Galante operated in the three man back line with a midfield of Balleri, Vidigal De Vezze, the Filippini twins and Pasquale.  Up front Tavano and Tristan provide the firepower. 

 

Ranierii has to dig deep into his squad due to injuries but has a formidable line up nonetheless.  Belardi keeps goal with a back four of Salihamidzic, Legrottaglie, Grygera and Molinaro.  Palladino gets his chance on the right of midfield alongside Nocerino, Zanetti and Nedved.  Del Piero and Trezeguet provide a dangerous front two. 

 

Livorno hold up well under the initial Juventus onslaught.  The home side's direct approach creates the best of the early opportunities.  Three dangerous corner kicks in quick succession provides half chances which Livorno don't take. 

The Amaranto are strong in the tackle, Trezeguet gets a double whammy and no foul as Livrono close him down. 

Another Livrono opportunity comes from a well worked training ground free kick, the ball is fizzed to the back post where it sails over the head of the unmarked Tavano.  A better delivery would have opened the scoring. 

Livorno defend stoutly and provide little opportunity for Juventus.  The home side create another opportunity but the free kick' almost a carbon copy of the first' is poorly delivered and doesn't pick out the unmarked Livorno player at the back post. 

Pasquale springs the offside and runs at Belardi, the second string 'keeper does well to parry the shot and Tavano's follow up is blocked, a glorious chance spurned with a poor finish. 

Juventus fire a warning shot of their own moments later when a sublime Trezeguet ball finds Del Piero, the shot fizzes just wide though. 

Another Livorno break only leads to a corner kick, something has to give soon. 

Molinaro gets forward a couple of times in quick succession, the first cross finds Nedved and the second Del Piero, neither Bianconeri veteran generates much power allowing two easy saves for Amelia. 

Just on the half hour it all goes pear shaped for the home side.  A poor headed clearance falls to Zanetti who lobs the ball back in, Trezeguet's run is perfect and he has time and space in the area to lash the ball ferociously past Amelia for the opener. 

Tristan and Tavano combine to embarrass the Juventus defence with brilliantly timed runs; with the final third of the pitch devoid of any Bianconeri save for Belardi the referee's assistant becomes a Juventus Assistant and ludicrously flags for offside. 

The next good Livorno attack sees Molinaro cover his centrebacks with a strong challenge to shrug Tristan off the ball.  Guess who wanted it more?

 

After the half Juventus get the first opportunity but Del Piero chooses to cut back inside onto his left foot rather than testing Amelia, he is closed down and Livorno come away with the ball. 

He gets it right soon after with a well timed run to latch onto Zanetti's through ball, his finish delivers a goal and a neat Amelia nutmeg. 

Soon after it all goes horribly wrong for Livorno. De Vezze gets booked twice in quick succession; the second for a silly handball and Livorno are out of the game with only ten men. 

Trezeguet does bolster his cappcannoniere chances with a stunning volley of the great running of Palladino and sublime Del Piero pass. 

The home side get a consolation late on after Tavano saw his free kick hit the post and roll out, Pulzetti's shot left Belardi with no chance. 

Too little too late. 

 

cappcannoniere in waiting?

Livorno will watch the game and winder how they didn't score early, several opportunities went begging early on.  Better finishing would have made the game much closer.  They Amaranto played well throughout the entire game but lacked the finishing.  More performances similar to this one should see them steer clear of the drop. 
 

Ranierii will be pleased that he won emphatically with a less than full strength side, Palladino showed particulalry well although the defence should have been punished more often and earlier. 

The referee had a good game and his assistant made one tremendously pro Juventus error. 

 

Juventus:-

Belardi

Salihamidzic

Legrottaglie

Molinaro

Palladino

Nocerino

Zanetti

Nedved (Castiglia 90)

Trezeguet

Del Piero Iaquinta 74)

 

Goals:-

Trezeguet 30, 53

Del Piero 59

 

Bookings:-

Zanetti

Grygera

Nocerino

 

 

Livorno:-

Amelia

Grandoni

Knezevic

Galante

Balleri

Vidigal

Filippini (Pulzetti 59)

Filippini

Pasquale

Tavano

Tristan (Bogdani 59)

 

Goals:-

Pulzetti 80

 

Bookings:-

de Vezze (R)

Balleri

 

Referee:-

Morganti

 

PICTURE COURTESY OF CHANNEL4.COM

TWO LITTLE DUCKS!

AC Milan are going up in the world, a duck on the books and a first home win was only marginally derailed by a loss to Atalanta.  Today they faced a tough Genoa side and looked distinctly average but; quack quack; Pato scored two to sour the day for the Rossoblu. 

 

The Stadio Giuseppe Meazza was tentative and expectant, the high of wins against Palermo and Udinese and the midweek loss to Atalanta has the Milan Tifosi unsure of what they'll see on the pitch.  They always draw good support at home though and the stadium had a respectable level of noise. 

 

Ancelotti needs to make changes with suspensions and injuries hampering his squad.  Kalac must keep goal behind a decent back four of Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze and Maldini.  Gattuso, Pirlo and Ambrosini sit deep in the middle with Seedorf and Kaka sitting behind Pato.  The formation is classic Milan Christmas Tree, with fluidity. 

 

Gasperini went with an defensive 3 4 3.  Rubinho keeps goal behind Santos, Bovo and Danilo.  A midfield quartet of Konko, Milanetto, Juric and Fabiano have defensive duties whilst Rossi and Sculli patrol wide and the front man is Borriello. 

 

The game starts evenly with Borriello getting an early sniff although he's let down by a poor first touch.  Konko shows his mettle with some astute and pacy defending against Pato. 

Genoa appear confident whilst Milan are more measured.  The quick Konko pass down the right frees Sculli but his cross in is poor.  Pirlo puts in a terrible free kick and Italian and Dutch veterans combine as Maldini work the ball into Seedorf in the area, with time and space the Dutchman's first touch hands Genoa a goal kick.  Genoa play the ball forward on the break but Nesta shrugs off Borriello to stifle the threat. 

Pirlo puts in two more awful balls in quick succession then Gattuso's lunge can't stop the fluid Genoa counter, only a poor Milanetto cross can do that. 

Milan aren't working well, the Rossoneri seem lacking in confidence or guile in the early going.  They have the better of the possession but Genoa are more incisive with their attacks although the Rossoblu can't put in that final ball. 

Gattuso gets away with a nasty challenge and Milanetto ends another neat Genoa move with a poor choice of cross. 

Pato is full of running and eagerness but his first touch is erratic and his finishing isn't great, although Rubinho does have to make a smart close range save to stop the young Brazilian. 

This energizes Milan who start to play with more precision in the final third; Pirlo sees the space and without much challenge puts the ball narrowly over the bar. 

Genoa get their best chance soon after, Nesta's attempt at a backheel is stolen by Borriello who gallops forward, pushed wide his shot still troubles the Australian keeper.  Soon after Genoa get forward again and some neat interplay and a good cross sees Sculli with a shooting opportunity, he scuffs his shot and the danger is cleared. 

 

The Milan Tifosi are unhappy with their team and whistle them in at the half. 

 

Straight away the Rossoblu attack and only a poor advantage call holds the move back. 

Seedorf gets more involved in the attacks and pokes a shot over. 

The Rossublu see their best chance evaporate when Borriello beats the Milan defence and finds himself one on one with the 'keeper, he makes it easy for Kalac by firing the ball straight at him, surely harder than scoring. 

Milan start to keep and use possession and Genoa are pegged back but hold firm.  Kaka fires straight at Rubinho and replays show that maybe Konko actually did get away with a handball in the area. 

The game is much more open as both sides seek the opener, Borriello gets a chance off a corner but fires over, and Danilo gets away with a cheeky handball to deny the excellent run of Oddo.  Kaka's delightful through ball finds Ambrosini but on his weaker foot he shanks it. 

Maldini, roving forward and effortlessly defying the years puts in a ball which Genoa don't clear; Pato is free at the back post and nods past Rubinho for the opener.  Hardly a classic goal but they all count.  

Soon after the Rossoblu; pushing forward to grab the equalizer; are caught out on a soft throw in, Ambrosini wins the loose ball and fires in a long ball which splits the Genoa centrebacks and see the pace of Pato take him clear with only Rubinho to beat, the 'keeper comes way out of his box and Pato's neat chip is handled by Rubinho.  He gets a red and thankfully the substitute 'keeper's first task isn't to pick the ball out of the net, he's lucky to see Pirlo's free kick go just wide. 

Milan apply pressure and the numerical advantage allows them to hold Genoa under the cosh, this doesn't entirely hold Genoa down as Borriello has a glorious chance to play a killer ball to the unmarked Figueroa, he chooses to shoot and the chance at an equalizer disappears. 

Ambrosini plays a long ball up for Pato to chase and Scarpi does well to stop the ball but his parry falls into the path of the Brazilian who excitedly walks the ball into the empty net. 

Milan round out the game professionally and grab three points. 

 

Gasperini's men created their chances but poor finishing left the door open for an average Milan to get the points.  They are doing well this season and can look to a chance at a UEFA Cup spot.  Better finishing would have seen them grab the points. 

 

Ancellotti's charges weren't great, Pato looks so talented and so raw, Seedorf and Pirlo hardly set the San Siro alight and the defence allowed Genoa too many chances.  There are no style points in football and Pato bagged two (although it should have been more).  His star is on the ascendancy but Milan's has yet to convince.  Two games in hand have to be won for them to climb above Udinese in the table. 

 

Does Gattuso get his first hacking, ankle breaking challenge for free without any yellow attached?  When Kaladze falls over whilst hauling on the shirt of Borriello why does the referee not allow the Genoa front man to run into the acres of space down the Milan left or cut inside through a static and flustered Milan defence?  Only he will know why he neglected to play a super obvious advantage instead of calling play back and allowing Milan time to get themselves organized.  The game was 0-0 at this point and a Genoa goal would have livened up the Rossoneri no end.  Really really poor tonight ref, hang your head in shame.  Rubinho did have to go though. 

 

 

AC Milan:-

Kalac

Oddo

Nesta

Kaladze

Maldini

Gattuso (Brocchi 88)

Pirlo (Emerson 83)

Ambrosini

Seedorf

Kaka

Pato (Gilardino 91)

 

Goals:-

Pato 68

Pato 82

 

Bookings:-

Ambrosini

Gilardino

 

Genoa:-

Rubinho

Santos

Bovo

Danilo

Konko

Milaneto (Scarpi 71)

Juric

Fabiano

Rossi (Figueroa 71)

Borriello

Sculli (Lucarelli 64)

 

 

Goals:-

 

Bookings:-

Bovo

Danilo

Rubinho (R)

 

 

Referee:-

Rochi

PICTURES COURTESY OF ACMILAN.COM

The Blucerchiati's star man is the difference between the sides in an open and entertaining attack minded game of football.  Cassano hit the bar early on and is instrumental in Mazzarri's steady rebuilding process. 

 

Stadio Luigi Ferraris was well attended and noisy as befits a Sampdoria home game, a crowd once turned off by Mazzarri is warming to the new manager. 

 

Mazzarri fielded a reasonable side, although hardly his strongest.  Castellazzi kept goal behind a back three of Lucchini, Gastaldelio and Accardi.  Francheschini anchored the midfield with Maggio, Palombo, Volpi and Pieri operating in front of him.  Cassano and Bellucci are the attacking pairing.  Pretty much a 3 5 2. 

 

Beretta's team was good and attack minded.  Manninger keeps goal behind a back four of Rossellini, Portanova, Loria and De Ceglie.  Vergassola, Codrea and Gallopa work the midfield with Locatelli sitting behind a front two of Maccarone and Frick.  Just about a 4 3 1 2. 

 

Sampdoria start the brighter of the two sides with Cassano hitting the bar with a screamer early on.  Castellazzi punches clear just above Frick on a Siena cross as the game starts at a bright pace with attacking intent. 

Locatelli gets some action as the ball is moving swiftly and purposely from end to end, neither keeper is severely tested and in front of a vocal crowd the tackles are full blooded although not malicious. 

Everything Sampdoria is going through Cassano who is getting a good kicking for his talents.  Neither team has a final ball just yet then things take a wrong turn for Siena as Loccatelli goes off injured to be replaced by Forestieri. 

Frick forces a stumbling save from Castellazzi from a lovely Maccarone pass. 

Manninger parries well from Bellucci

The game flows from one team to another, the crowd a measure of when Sampdoria are on top.  The home side is finishing strong and the crowd gets behind them. 

Just before the break Pieri's belligerence keeps a move alive and the ball is played in from the left, Cassano is the first to move and his marker-baffling turn is surpassed by a sublime curler past the redshirtedandshorted Manninger into the far corner. 

The fans go wild and Cassano shows the love he has for Mazzarri. 

YMCA! ITS FUN TO SING IT SO YMCA!

Half time sees no changes for either side. 

 

Siena hit the second half with a some fire in their play although when the pressure results in a dangerously placed free kick Galloppa just hoofs it over, zealously over. 

Sampdoria funnel their play through Cassano, only Bellucci is coming close to his class and touch but they look more threatening in the final third than Siena. 

Rigano is swapped in for Frick to give a bit more bite in the attack and play flows nicely from end to end.  It takes Rigano almost ten minutes before he is able to test Castellazzi. 

Sampdoria are defending well and Siena is finding it hard to prise any openings, their quality up front can't slice open the Blucerchiati. 

The crowd is solidly behind it's players and Sampdoria gradually assert themselves. 

Rigano finds himself free and clear, ten yards out as the ball comes to him from a melee.  His first, second and third touches aren't good, he's closed down and the brilliant opening disappears. 

Then Codrea's short manages to test Castellazzi. 

Sampdoria get professional in the last twenty, meaty tackles fly and the boys in blue go down real easy, successfully disrupting any rhythm Siena may build. 

Delvecchio's introduction with ten to go seals Siena's fate. 

The renowned 'hard man' takes the opportunity to kick a few Siena players and tumble to the grass writhing in agony at the merest suggestion of contact.  Professional, sure; sporting, not really. 

 

Mazzarri is making progress, both on the pitch and with the fans.  He has a gem in Cassano although Bellucci has his name high up on the cappocannonieri list. 

His side plays a neat brand of football and retains a solid back line.  A UEFA Cup spot is a realistic goal for this season. 

 

Siena is in trouble.  They play well but dropping points when other around them scrape draws is Serie B form. 

They played well today bright and attacking and held Sampdoria for long periods in the game.  They don't quite have a Cassano to unlock other teams.  Results against teams in the bottom half of the table will decide their fate. 

 

Referee did well, the game was full blooded and he didn't hand out silly cards. 

 

 

Sampdoria:-

Castellazzi

Luccihini

Gastaldello

Accardi

Maggio

Franceschini (Delvecchio 82)

Volpi (Zenoni 95)

Pieri

Cassano (Bonazzoli 69)

Bellucci

 

Goals:-

Casano 44

Bookings:-

Lucchini

 

 

Siena:-

Manninger

Rossettini

Portanova

Loria

De Ceglie

Vergassola (Alberto 65)

Codrea

Galloppa

Locatelli (Forestieri 18)

Frick (Rigano 53)

Maccarone

 

Goals:-

 

Bookings:-

Forestieri

Rossettini

Alberto

 

Referee:-

Mazzoleni

 

 

PICTURES COURTESY OF SAMPDORIA.IT

Roma start at a gallop with some champagne football and resort to more mundane tactics to grind out the win over a game but misfiring Palermo 

 

Saturday in Rome.  A little over forty thousand in the Stadio Olimpico and still it look empty but the Giallorossi Tifosi turned up the volume for their team. 

Important game for both teams with Roma keen to keep the pressure on Inter.  Palermo needed the win to restore direction and confidence to their organization. 

 

Spalletti makes changes from the Coppa Italia midweek team.  Doni keeps goal with a back four of Cassetti, Ferrari, Mexes and Tonetto.  Pizzarro, the ebullient Chilean and Brighi sit deep in the middle with Taddei, Perrotta and Mancini sitting further forward.  Totti occupies the lone striker role in a very fluid 4 5 1 formation. 

 

YES! I DO USE THE SAME HAIR STYLIST AS ANDY JOHNSON!

Guidolin is forced into some changes but fields a robust side.  Fontana keeps goal with a back four of Biava, Rinaudo the excellent Barzagli and Zaccardo.  Simplicio retains his place alongside Migliaccio and Guana with Caserta and Miccoli operating as support for Amauri in a defensively minded 4 5 1 

 

The home side starts with precision passing and movement and some stunning touches from the Captain.  Perrotta comes close to opening the scoring with a volley that shaved the upright 

Palermo is pegged back but warning bells sound when a Miccoli corner confuses the Roma defence. 

Guana and Migliaccio are worked hard with the speed and fluidity of Roma's attack but Palermo hold in there and Miccoli's shot is well crafted but just wide. 

Pizzarro shows the bad side of football with a hugely obvious dive in the Palermo penalty area, he gets away without a yellow though. 

Roma are flowing beautifully but Totti reputation earns him a fee kick after Migliaccio legally robs him of the ball, moments later Totti gets revenge with an unconcealed hack at the Palermo midfielder's ankles which surprisingly doesn't warrant a card. 

Palermo are game but a five man midfield leaves Amauri isolated and the team relatively toothless in attack.  When an opportunity does present itself the Rosaneri are unable to capitalize, Zaccardo escapes the marking of Ferrari at the back post and with the whole goal or Amauri to aim at finds touch. 

Roma pressure resumes without quite the bite of the first twenty minutes, Palermo midfielder Caserta skies a half chance. 

 

The game is still tied at the half, this season hasn't seen much champagne from the Giallorossi but more of the grinding and result oriented football.  Palermo seem rooted to the idea of using Amauri on his own up front. 

 

Miccoli gets onto a Migliaccio ball as Palermo come out with some hustle after the break, his turn in the area is neat and his shot is wide. 

With help Amauri is more dangerous and it takes a cynical block to stop the Brazilian and Miccoli from creating a great opportunity down the left, the resultant free kick is a complete waste. 

Roma have plenty through the midfield but seem to stutter around the edge of the Palermo area and when they breach the visitors defence they don't finish well, Perrotta hacks at a half chance in the area and the ball doesn't trouble Fontana. 

Tough tackling and a solid defensive shape keep Palermo into the game until the referee steps in and give Rinaudo and straight red for a studs up challenge.  In a game devoid of malice a yellow and a stern warning should suffice. 

Less than two minutes later with Guana dropping into the defence a quickly taken Roma corner sees Mancini rise above his confused markers and reach the ball in front of the flailing Fontana to head home the opener.  

The game is effectively over, a slew of substitutions can't help ten man Palermo and Roma defend and keeps possession well, mostly holding Palermo at arms length. 

The incidents in the remainder of the game are Mexes heading onto the post from a corner with Fontana well beaten, Cavani skying one from eight yards out and Fontana saving well from an incorrectly flagged offside Aquilani. 

 

With results like today's Guidolin must realize he has the remainder of the season before he gets the sack.  Palermo was tough to break down and obdurate but lacked any real threat going forward with Amauri isolated. 

They have talent and some good players but if they fail to get a European spot by season's end they will be picked over by the bigger Italian clubs.  Every game when they push a man up to help Amauri they've looked more dangerous.  Coming to defend just isn't working for the Rosanero.  A bright spot was the form of youngster Jankovic. 

 

Roma lacked a cutting edge against Palermo but had enough guile and quality to eke out a win.  A good home three, especially with Inter drawing keeps faint Scudetto hopes alive.  The return of Aquilani will be refreshing for Spalletti as will the fight for places when the squad is at full strength. 

 

Brighi was harsh in the sending off and lenient when Cassetti didn't get booked for a second body check. 

 

 

AS Roma:-

Doni

Cassetti

Ferrari

Mexes

Tonetto

Brighi

Pizarro

Taddei

Perrotta (Aquilani 71)

Mancini (Cicinho 89)

Totti (Vucinic 82)

 

Bookings:-

Cassetti

 

Goals:-

Mancini 59

 

 

Palermo:-

Fontana

Biava

Rinaudo

Barzagli

Zaccardo

Guana

Migliaccio

Simplicio (Cavani 63)

Caserta (Jankovic 83)

Miccoli (Cassani 62)

Amauri

 

Goals:-

 

Bookings:-

Simplicio

 

Referee:-

Brighi