Even though Palermo were one of the promoted sides from last season but I believe they have what it takes to really make their mark in Serie A.
Up until this season the Sicilians have played 3 matches, winning once (1-0 against Siena) and drawing twice (1-1 against Inter, 0-0 against Fiorentina), collecting five points. They have scored 2 goals and conceded only one.
Their experienced coach, Francesco Guidolin, plays with a 4-2-3-1 formation"
--------------------Guardalben------------------
Zaccardo------Biava--Barzagli------Grosso
-------------------Barone--Corini------------------
Santana------------------------------Gasbarroni
------------------------Zauli---------------------------
-------------------------Toni---------------------------
Their defence consists of Zaccardo, Barzagli, Biava, and Grosso.
Barone and Corini make up the midfield and are the heart of the team. Corini is their key player, he's the former captain of Chievo, and stopping him means taking away most of Palermo's game from them. If he gets space, he's going to make us suffer, setting up moves, providing balls to Toni and Zauli. Expect an exciting battle in midfield between Corini-Barone and Emerson-Blasi.
Santana and Gasbarroni are pure wings, so expect them to clash with Zambrotta and Zebina from time to time.
Zauli plays just off the main striker, Toni, who netted 30 times in Serie B last season and also scored a goal in his debut with the Italian NT. The lanky striker is in fine form as he opened up his account this season with a goal in the opener against Siena and followed that up with another one in the shock draw against Inter. We will need Thuram and Cannavaro to be on top form to eliminate his threat.
The team should continue with its serious outlook against smaller opponents because 3 points against Palermo have the same weight as 3 points against Milan. And with other challengers facing rather difficult opponents in this round, it only makes sense that we make the most of it by collecting more points and widening the gap. We should concentrate on this match and forget about the Champions League encounter against Tel Aviv.
Capello should keep everyone guessing to as who will he field upfront between Del Piero, Ibrahimovic, and Trezegol. Whoever makes it should make us proud and continue scoring them goals.
Forza Juve :strong: