With the Romans, everything is more or less clear. Traditions, name, titles and so on are in the past. “Roma” is reborn, the team’s game is pleasing. But talking about the championship title is probably too early. The club is also recognized in principle.
Palermo is completely different. Just as Sicilian cuisine is different from everything you have tried, so the team of Guidolin is not like any other. Too sharp, too bright and unexpected. They cheer for her, praise her, talk about her. The southerners deserved such close attention - before the Sunday meeting with Inter, the hosts were in a well-deserved third place, and if they won they would have taken the second place and caught up with the leader in terms of points.
In fact, “Palermo” is simply obliged to arouse sympathy and sympathy among those watching the series A. First of all, as a counterweight to “Inter”. Milanese annoy many - for endless purchases, for wasted money and eternal failures. And when this not always folding, but stuffed with money colossus makes its way to the scudetto, a brave starless upstart jumps up on its way. True, it does not jump up so suddenly - in the last three seasons the Sicilians got used to a good game. But, it seems, is weaker, it seems, is poorer. And on you - anyway dare to stand in the way of the millionaires Mancini! We worked as it should on the tactics, learned the materiel - and forth. Well, how not to root for them?
In addition, in Palermo, almost everyone is Italians. Well, or Italian-speaking legionnaires like Dellafiore or Bresciano. Or, as a last resort, foreigners with a surname similar to the Apennine (Amauri, for example). If you fill the composition with visitors, you will receive more than one hundred reproaches. They criticize Arsenal, get the same Inter. Clubs based on domestic cadres always inspire approval. Easy football nationalism, as a rule, is justified by the interests of the national team. The Italian team from Palermo is a solid benefit. Tony, Grosso, Zaccardo - they all played at the Renzo Barbera Stadium. Or continue to play.
And finally, the most “Italian” feature of the team: “Palermo” - a club from the south. And not just from the south, but from Sicily. Even if you have never been to the Apennines, you still probably heard about the complex relations of the rich north and the not too wealthy southern regions that begin behind Rome and stretch right to the island famous for its mafia.
The secret to Palermo’s success is quite simple. Rather, there is no secret at all. Colorful president Maurizio Zamparini gathers leaders from middle clubs throughout Italy. Adds younger talents. He heads an excellent coach (now it is Francesco Gvidolin). And it turns out a nice and persistent team. Playing and perfectly trained tactically. True, without a rigid “screed” - acting brightly can beat anyone. Winning gold will not work - just not enough strength and confidence. By the way, several years ago there was already a similar club in Serie A - remember the Verona Chievo?
It was such a team that accepted Inter on Sunday. She went out, fought and was confidently beaten. There wasn’t enough power, the weight was extraordinary. There are many reasons. Did not play Di Michele. Amauri was quickly injured. The 39-year-old goalkeeper of Fontana, after an extremely long shot by Ibrahimovic, tried to pinch the ball under his armpit, in the manner of a thermometer, and he got a goal ... well, and so on.
Everything can be explained more simply: Inter was stronger. All efforts of Palermo gave a modest result. A really beautiful goal, already scored by the lame Amauri in the last minutes of the first half, and the strike of Caracciolo who replaced him in the post - in the second. The range of guests was richer. Hit the bar, by the way, was also - tried Materazzi. Adriano played excellently, two assists on his account. And most importantly - “Inter” scored at the beginning of the first half, then the score was evened out, and then the guests again went into the gap after Villier hit. If it was really needed - there would be a third goal. In short, with a margin jumped over the hosts and ran on. The Milanese will have gold. And next year the Champions League will definitely have Palermo. Justice triumphs.
Vladimir STOGNIENKO
PALERMO - INTER - 1: 2 (1: 1)
Goals: 0: 1 - Ibrahimovic (6), 1: 1 - Amauri (45), 1: 2 - Vieira (61).
“Palermo”: Fontana, Zzardo, Barzagli, Dellafiore (Brienza, 71), Cassani, Diana, Corini (Tedesco, 88), Guana, Pisano, Bresiano, Amauri (Karacciolo, 53).
Inter: Julio Cesar, Micon, Cordoba (Samuel 66), Materazzi, Grosso, Solari (Cambiasso 83), Vieira, Stankovic, Zanetti, Ibrahimovic (Crespo 49), Adriano.
Warnings: Guana (68), Stankovic (80).
November 26th . Renzo Barbera, 22:30.
Judge : Roberto Rosetti (Turin).