The Battle of the Old (but still good) Goalkeepers- Palermo v. Parma preview

By: Francesco | October 30th, 2007

When Palermo and Parma step on the field tomorrow, the combined age of the two goalkeepers will be 78 years old. On one side we have 40 year old Alberto Fontana, a journeyman goalkeeper whose hard work was recognized by Inter in 2001 and was a backup there for 4 seasons before moving to Chievo and then Palermo. On the other side we have 38 year old Luca Bucci, who has was born and bred in the Parma youth system and is a true idol to all Parma fans. Although both these goalkeepers are really old, they are also two of the best goalkeepers in Serie A. Tomorrow we’ll see who keeps their team alive in the game. More on Palermo v. Parma after the jump.

This Parma Ultra’ banner says “Bisogna Lottare per Poterci Restare” (You have to Fight to Remain in Serie A). And Palermo-Parma is the kind of a match where if you get a result it is really important for the Salvezza race. At least a draw in the cauldron that is the Renzo Barbera stadium will be a great result for the Gialloblu’. Parma is one of the few teams that hasn’t had an away win yet, and if they want to avoid relegation that will have to change., however Palermo haven’t been so great at home, only beating Milan in Sicily this season. Parma is coming off a morale boosting win over Livorno at home, while Palermo drew Inter 0-0 at the Barbera.

The line-up will look a little different then the one that started against Livorno on Sunday. Portuguese defender Fernando Couto has been suspended 3 matches for spitting at an opponent. (That brings up his tally to 20 days of suspension in his 388 game Serie A career). Midfielder Francesco Parravicini has been suspended for yellow card accumulation, as has Brazilian winger/forward Reginaldo, which is a big blow, as he has been one of the top performers this season. The good news is Domenico Morfeo looks to have regained the trust of Domenico Di Carlo and will be given the start tomorrow, as will impressive Italy U21 midfielders Luca Cigarini and Daniele Dessena. Other than those changes we will see no changes, with Corradi up front partnering Morfeo and Stefano Morrone and Andrea Pisanu filling out the midfield. The defense will consist of Senegalese right back Ferdinand Coly, Massimo Paci and young Marco Rossi (filling in for the suspended Couto) in the center, and Paolo Castellini at left-back. As mentioned at the beginning Luca Bucci will start in goal.
So it wuld be a straight 4-4-2, with Morfeo more withdrawn.
Bucci; Coly, Paci, M. Rossi, Castellini; Dessena, Cigarini, Morrone, Pisanu; Corradi, Morfeo

Palermo-Parma games have provided lots of goals over the years (4-3 and 4-2 last season) and let’s hope this match isn’t any different.

Probable Palermo XI- Fontana; Zaccardo, Biava, Barzagli, Pisano; Jankovic, Simplicio, Guana, Caserta; Miccoli, Amauri

Of course when you look at Palermo’s XI you immediately have to watch Miccoli and Amauri. They have to be tightly marked and see limited time on the ball. Caserta and Jankovic are also very dangerous. Guana is mainly a ball winner, and ex-Parma midfielder Fabio Simplicio hasn’t gotten off to the best start this season. Marco Bresciano, another ex-Parma player, can’t play because of injury or suspension or something.

For more about Palermo, check Steven’s thoughts here.

To close with a video, enjoy the genius of Domenico Morfeo: