Palermo centeral midfielders apart from Simplicio tackles like a 5 year old girl. There are good technicians around but the team in general but lack that steel and structure in midfield. It is not just about defenders - they play in a philosophy that emphasizes attack, short passes, dummy runs, flicks, and as a consequence defence has taken some backline. For all I know, Barzagli is somewhat inconsistent, and makes some stupid mistakes but the guy has genuine skill set and he looks comfortable in possession. He isnt the most athletic in the world, but his general reading of the game is quite proficient. I say good compliment to some hard defenders we have like Kovac.