Palermo-Torino, Or: Palermo are Top! Huzzah!
By: Martha | November 12th, 2006
See, it’s matches like this one that need to be shown to everyone who thinks football is boring and useless. The first half was a bit stop-start, with Palermo not quite on point and Torino unable to capitalize on their few chances. (That said, Rosina was always a threat. That guy is scary powerful, and pops up everywhere with the ball at his feet). Once Conrini (HOORAY!) scored in the last few minutes of the half, though, Palermo relaxed and started to play — and that’s when the game turned into something special.
What is more wonderful in the world of football than watching a talented, confident team play with joy? As far as I’m concerned nothing is — and that’s what Palermo were in the second half. They were always attacking, always flowing forward, stringing together pass after pass after pass, just sort of glorying in their ability and the pleasure of the game. At one point, they must have made 15-20 passes — from the backs to the midfielders, back to the backs, up to the forwards — ending with an on-target shot that stung Abiatti’s hands. It was truly wonderful stuff, and a move that, had it finished in a goal (and been put together by Argentina), would have been replayed constantly on highlights show.
There’s an insane amount of skill and understanding in Palermo’s first team, the only question they face is whether they can stay healthy. Losing just Corini (knocking frantically on wood here), or Amauri or Simplicio (who played di Michele one of the most perfect through balls I’ve seen in my life for Palermo’s second goal) would likely destroy a team with such a small, tight squad. If they can keep everyone on the pitch, though, and make good decisions regarding the Coppa Italia and the UEFA Cup, there’s no reason this team shouldn’t be in the Scudetto conversation for the rest of the season. (Fingers and legs crossed, wood being knocked, salt being thrown over my shoulder.)
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Comments
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I didn’t get to see the whole game, but Di Michele looked awesome in the second half until he had to be stretchered off. Why hasn’t Donadoni included him in the squad instead of Iaquinta? You are right though, Palermo was an absolute pleasure to watch. They seem to have such a good understanding of each other, where the runs will go, their use of space. You would think they had been playing together for years instead of three months. If either the Corini or Di Michele injury is serious (Corini more so) that could be trouble.
I must give Zamparini major credit for all his inspired signings this summer, as they have really made the difference.
Posted from
United States
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DIMICHELE IS ON FIRE .. scores and set 2 goals up … he is finnaly showing his true talent .. VIVA PALERMO
Posted from
Australia
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