Palermo v Parma: Sir Claudio Strikes Again

Would someone please knight Claudio Ranieri already? The transformation he’s created at Parma since arriving in mid-February has been nothing short of incredible. They’ve taken 10 points from their last three four games — including wins over Fiorentina and Palermo in the past week — are nearing safety, and are playing with a confidence one could have never imagined before Ranieri turned up. And the thing is? They’re good.

Even before Pisano was somewhat harshly sent off, the score was tied and, though Palermo had put together a few very threatening stretches, the match had been fairly even. Despite eventually forcing Palermo to switch to a 4-4-1, it didn’t seem like it was the sending off itself that tilted the game in Parma’s favor. Instead, what really transformed it — apart from di Michele’s Miss of the Season* — was the arrival of Domenico Morfeo just before Pisano left: Coming on for the impressive Budan, Morfeo instantly started carving Palermo’s defense open, creating chances almost at will and, eventually, making his team’s final two goals.

Though Palermo kept coming and pulled one back in the 90th minute, it was Parma who looked like the better team for most of the second half, and someone who dropped out of the sky and saw only this match would be stunned to learn Parma were in danger of relegation. The league bows before your magical powers, Claudio.

*After Emo Kevin Kline Luca Bucci came for and missed a cross, the ball ended up at di Michele’s feet on the left post, less than eight yards out. He was all alone, with the entire goal at his mercy. What did he do? Slam the ball wide with his inside foot, instead of just deflecting it in with his left. Truly astonishing.

Category: Palermo, Results, Serie A

Tags: Claudio Ranieri, Luca Bucci, Morfeo, Palermo, Parma, Pisaco, Results, Serie A

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