The Morning After- A Point in Palermo

By: Francesco | November 1st, 2007

After 17 years in the top division, Palermo-Parma was the 600th game in Serie A for the Gialloblu’. Parma went to Sicily looking for a result, and got one, even though it could’ve been more than just a point. More on the game after the jump.

After the win against Livorno, Parma was flying high ( like the old turkey buzzard), and Di Carlo had a few surprises up his sleeve. To begin, Luca Bucci was not started in goal for some reason. Di Carlo never gave a reason, and Bucci was on the bench, so it was basically a technical choice of some kind. Nicola Pavarini stepped in between the pipes. The rest of the predicted formation was the same, except for another surprise, Domenico Morfeo started from the bench. Apparently Di Carlo sees him only as a supersub instead of an experienced starter. Instead he started Andrea Gasbarroni (maybe the fact that he was once a Palermo player had to do with it), who actually impressed.

In the 3rd minute, Parma took a surprise lead. A corner was sent in and Stefano Morrone (also ex-Palermo), who was totally unmarked, took a shot that hopped past Alberto Fontana and into the net. That’s Morrone’s second goal in 3 days. Besides a few chances for Palermo and a spectacular bicycle kick effort from Amauri nearly missing the target, the rest of this match is what you would call a snoozefest. Parma had the lead and were trying to defend and attack on the counter, but Palermo seemed uninterested in trying to score. They were booed by their home fans for most of the game.

In the second half not even the introduction of Morfeo could bring some life into the game. He came on for Gasbarroni, who did not agree with the substitution, refusing to shake Di Carlo’s hand and then kicking a water bottle in frustration (he has since apologized for his actions). Parma could’ve been 2-0 up on 78 minutes but Andrea Pisanu missed a really good chance. And 5 minutes from time Parma got screwed. A cross was sent in and Morfeo and Amauri jumped up for a header. Amauri went down really easily and the referee called a penalty, saying Morfeo pushed Amauri down. As the replays showed, there was no penalty. Amauri stepped up and converted, and the game finished 1-1. In stoppage time young Kenyan talent McDonald Mariga made an appearance for Parma.

Palermo: Fontana; Cassani, Rinaudo, Barzagli, Pisano; Tedesco, Guana, Simplicio (Cavani 46); Jankovic (Diana 63), Amauri, Miccoli (Brienza 49)

Parma: Pavarini; Coly, Paci, Rossi, Castellini; Dessena (Zenoni 82), Morrone, Cigarini, Pisanu (Mariga 92); Gasbarroni (Morfeo 57), Corradi

Even though the Gialloblu’ should’ve won, a point away to Palermo is still a great result, as stated by Di Carlo in the post match comments. We must look ahead and keep fighting for the salvezza.

Next up is a home encounter against struggling Siena. These are the matches that we have to win.

No highlights of the game at the moment, but here are the player ratings from datasport.it:

Pavarini 6 - Ordinary administration for the Parma goalkeeper, he was never really tested the whole match.

Paci 6.5 - Impeccable performance in the center of defense, neutralizing Amauri.

Castellini 6 - Marked his wing with attention the whole match.

Coly 6.5 - This game confirms his good run of form. Very elegant in certain situations.

Rossi 6.5 - With Couto’s suspension, the young defender forms a good partnership with Paci.

Zenoni s.v. - Enters near the end for Dessena, no vote.

Cigarini 6 - A discrete performance in all areas.

Dessena 6.5 - Positive performance in defense and in attack. Tries to score a goal numerous times but fails.

Gasbarroni 6.5 - One of the best ones on the field until his substitution. He was angry when he came off.

Morrone 6.5 - Scores the goal for Parma and puts in a good performance in center midfield.

Mariga s.v. - Only a few minutes, no vote

Morfeo 6 - Comes in for Gasbarroni and gains a lot of fouls, but never creates for Corradi.

Corradi 6 - He doesn’t test Fontana often, but he fights like a lion for every ball. Gives a good assist to Pisanu in the 78th but it doesn’t become a goal.

Pisanu 6 - A good performance, but should’ve done better in the 78th with Corradi’s assist.