La Madonna

The detail is incredible here, and a stunning season to go with it too!

It's summertime and Camilla Cordella is enjoying a little holiday on the coast of Sicily. Many changes have happened at Palermo and the trust she had thought hard to achieve with the board has evaporated as a new board came in and said she would only be judged on her time under them.



Right back Andrea Rispoli was voted Serie B player of the year and Serie B player's player of the year. Forward Trajkovski came second in both awards. However, in a heavily criticised move, Pescara's manager Guiseppe Pillon was voted manager of the year by his peers. Many said Cordella didn't get the award because of her gender and the media ran stories the entire week with interviews from pundits, players and scholars. Pescara did finish second in the league and won automatic promotion to Serie A, Perugia won the play-offs to be the third team to earn promotion.

The under 18s lost in the play-off semi-finals to Inter Milan, but they showed the potential behind things at Palermo.

The new board pumped only little money into the club and the 48 million from TV rights were invested elsewhere. This leaves the club still struggling financially, so Cordella will have to be wise in the transfer market. Many players returned from loan, bumping up the wage budget again. So Cordella has decided to thin the squad further to find the right balance, she wants to keep the youth she promoted last season in place to help them grow some more. She did bring in midfielder Kastanos and striker Mavididi from Juventus for 400k and 500k respectively. While right back Salvi has left for Parma in a 1.3M deal and striker Ebui was sold to Siracusa for 80k.

Pre-season is almost underway and Cordella is preparing for the tough season ahead.

Preseason is over, transfer business has been done and the team has trained hard to try and get a mid-table finish. The media has predicted Palermo to finish 17th, but Cordella believes she can aim higher. Goalkeeper Pasavec, who was on loan last season was sold to Sassuolo for 1.9M, while midfielder Gnahoré, also on loan the previous season, left for Nantes in a 200k deal. Marchese (100k), Maddaloni (80k) and Guiseppini (50k) were the other outgoings. 15 other players went on season long loans.



In view of the troubling finances, Camilla Cordella decided to host a series of friendlies at home. She was aware the team may lose some of the matches against Europe's elite, but the revenue would be welcome. But things went much better than she'd expected.

In the easiest of the matches, the team brushed aside CA Bizerte of Tunisia 4-1. Then victories against RB Leipzig, Manchester United and Dortmund gave the fans something to cheer about. During Manchester United's visit Cordella sat down with José Mourinho and they negotiated the loan moves of Tuanzebe, McTominay and Chong.



The first competitive match of the season saw the guys in pink travel to Chievo for the 3rd Qualifying Round of the Coppa Italia. The team came back with a victory. Chochev scoring a stunning opener from a Schindler assist. Pucciarelli equalised for Chievo before Trajkovski scored the winner in the 80th minute getting on the end of a Mazza cross.



A 3-0 victory over Slavia Prague rounded off a perfect pre-season. The Serie A season kicks off with a home game against Lazio before a trip to Udinese and the coming of Inter Milan to the Renzo Barbera to close August off. Can Camilla Cordella give her team a good convincing start to the campaign?

Wow! A fantastic pre-season and an ideal way to set up for life back in Serie A. Best of luck.

Having studied her players in preseason, Cordella has settled on her first choice team for the upcoming season:



August is over and Camilla Cordella's team didn't get off to a great start with on one point from a possible 9.



Lazio came to Sicily and in a tight game they edged it. Balogh missed an early penalty before Geubbels opened the score for Lazio. Young left winger Rizzo equalised from a McTominay cross before Lazio's new signing Giroud restored the lead three minutes later. Palermo may not have won, but they proved they were no pushovers against a strong Lazio team. Lazio's goalkeeper, Strakosha was named man of the match.



A trip to Udinese and a more conservative approach saw Camilla Cordella's men return with a valuable point. The guys in pink managed to contain Udinese who were obliged to shoot from distance.



Despite dominating possession and the flow of play early on, Perisic led Inter on a deadly counter attack, his cross finding Candreva to give them the lead. Things got worse for Palermo when left back Gallo was sent off for a second bookable offence. The guys stayed organised, but their inferior numbers meant they couldn't find a way back into the game. The Renzo Barbera, which was a real fortress last season, seems far more penetrable so far this campaign.



After three games, Cordella's men find themselves in 15th place, but they can be proud that they have proven to be no pushovers in their opening games. A couple of wins could set them on a run. September sees trips to Sassuolo and Pescara before Genoa visit the Renzo Barbera. Can Camilla get her first win in the Serie A?

2018-10-28 21:50#251736 ScottT : Wow! A fantastic pre-season and an ideal way to set up for life back in Serie A. Best of luck.

Thanks!

Incredible first season, winning the league by TWENTY points! Serie A will undoubtedly prove to be a challenge but you'll do well.

September saw Palermo get 5 points from a potential 9, they went unbeaten but are still to win at home.



A trip to Sassuolo kicked the month off. Max Gradel opened the scoring for Sassuolo before Mavididi equalised from a Kastanos assist. Berardi restored the lead after the break but McTominay managed to get on the end of a Schindler cross in stoppage time for a share of the points.



A visit to newly promoted Pescara saw the guys in pink get their first win of the season. Pescara scored after 18 seconds as Ferrante tapped in from a fumbled save. Two own goals from Zampano and Longhi, both under pressure during corners, saw Palermo take a 2-1 lead. Rispoli picked up a second yellow in the second half to make the end of the game a little tense.



Genoa's visit to the Renzo Barbera was a spectacular affair with six goals. Again Palermo conceded first through Ounas. Rizzo pegged one back immediately getting on the end of a corner. Mavididi pounced on a rebound to make it 2-1 just four minutes later. Piatek equalised midway through the first half. With Mazza injured, Schindler deputised at right back and he began to control the game eventually setting up Rizzo for his second goal of the game. The team took a more conservative approach with their lead but five minutes later Piatek got his second to make the game 3-3. Cordella is still waiting for her first home win of the season.



The team find themselves in 13th position after 6 games on six points. Lazio are top, one point ahead of Inter Milan. Can the form of September develop into something more consistent during October? With trips to Perugia and Fiorentina and the visits of Torino and Roma, there's a hard month up ahead.

It's autumn again in Sicily and Palermo are showing signs of improvement taking 6 points from 12. Cordella has taken a more attacking approach to the play realising that she should take the game to the opposition instead of inviting the pressure. There is still no home win, which is beginning to upset the Renzo Barbera faithful.



The month began with a solid 2-0 victory over newly promoted Perugia. Mavididi and Tuanzebe with the goals from Rispoli and Trajkovski assists.

Balogh didn't feature again and he made his sentiments clear, but his performances not matching those of Mavididi means he was dropped. Hinting that he may have to move, Cordella called his bluff and transfer listed him. He will join APOEL for 3.8M in January. With young left wingers coming through the ranks, Trajkovski's position became uncertain too, his frequent injuries and non-EU status prompting Cordella to move him on in favour of youngsters like Rizzo and Correnti. Trajkovski will join Perugia for 1.1M.



The next fixture saw us host Torino. Despite a dominating display with the men from Turin up against the wall, McTominay was brought on in the 80th minute to be carried off a minute lack with an ankle strain. This totally changed the flow of football and Torino scored through Lukic. Moraes made it two from the spot in stoppage time.



A trip to Florence saw Palermo defy the odds to comfortably beat Fiorentina. Man of the match and young player of the month, Rizzo, scored both goals while Jajalo got an assist. A great three points.



Roma came to the Renzo Barbera and proved to have too much quality for the boys in pink to overcome. Dzeko opened the scoring while El Shaarawy added a second late on. Palermo still look for their first home win of the season.



The 6 points have seen Palermo climb two places as they sit in 11th place after 10 games. Lazio are still top, one point clear of AC Milan. November sees trips to Empoli and AC Milan while Cagliari and Napoli visit the Renzo Barbera. Cordella will look at Cagliari as an opportunity to get a first home win, while Milan and Napoli may be just about damage limitation.

As the festive season approaches, Camilla Cordella's men are performing better picking up another 7 points from four games and finally getting their first home win of the season.



In a dominant display against bottom of the table Empoli, Palermo were left frustrated as they were unable to convert their chances. Caputo opened the scoring for Empoli after 52 minutes before Ruggiero equalised with a thunderous strike in the 87th minute.



A converted penalty by Barella was enough to see Cagliari upset the men in pink at the Renzo Barbera. With a goal disallowed for offside, this was a match to forget.



A trip to San Siro was next and Palermo performed above expectations, coming home with a good solid victory against AC Milan. Rizzo was once again man of the match providing two assists which were converted by substitute McTominay, on his return from injury, and young striker Da Graca. Having ditched the attacking style for her trusted 4-1-4-1, Cordella felt more positive moving forward.



The month came to a close with Napoli heading to the Renzo Barbera. In another upset, Palermo took all the points in a 2-0 victory. Chochev and Chong with the goals from Jajalo corners. McTominay put in a man of the match performance in the middle of the park.



After 14 games, Palermo still find themselves in 11th position. Lazio are still top, one point ahead of Juventus.

Young defensive midfielder Ruggiero picked up the young player of the month award. Accardi, on loan to Spal, has played enough games to make to move permanent for 1.1M.

Can Camilla Cordella carry on the recent impressive form in a busy December. With a cup game at home to Vicenza and away games to Bologna, Atalanta and Frosinone as well as home ties against Sampdoria and Juventus, Cordella hopes to make the top half before the new year.

December has come and gone and Camilla Cordella is now enjoying a ski break near Mt. Etna, her holiday was cut short when the resort was evacuated when the volcano began to erupt, fortunately Camilla got out safe, two British tourists were lost believed to have been caught under a resulting avalanche.

With 11 points from a possible 15, Cordella's side are performing far above expectations, resulting in a strong trust from the board.



The 4th Qualifying Round of the Coppa Italia saw Palermo destroy Vicenza in a 5-0 win with 17 year old striker Da Graca getting four goals. A Bizotto own goal rounded things off.



A trip to Bologna saw another impressive victory with goals from Chochev and Da Graca through assists by Jajalo and Rispoli. Falcinelli pulled one back late for Bologna.



In a close affair, Palermo and Sampdoria shared the points. Praet opened the scoring for Sampdoria before Szyminski headed in from a Rizzo corner.



The 1st round of the Coppa Italia saw Camilla Cordella's men fall to a narrow defeat at the hands of Torino, Bremer with the goal.



A trip to Atalanta saw another close affair with Ilicic scoring for the home side in the 12th minute. Da Graca equalised in the 57th minute capitalising on a defensive error.



Juve came to the Renzo Barbera in third position. A first half brace from Da Graca was enough to see off the illustrous side. Ronaldo came close and Brignoli saved, but otherwise the men in stripes were kept quiet. Before the game Ronaldo and Allegri visited Camilla to express how much they appreciated what she was doing at the club and told her to ignore the haters.



The year was seen out with another victory on the road to Frosinone. Rizzo blasting the ball into the back of the net from a Ruggiero pass. The boys in pink are now unbeaten in seven games.



A solid month has seen Palermo climb five places into 6th spot and European qualification is being mentioned by all involved with the club. Camilla isn't getting carried away though, her goal is still a top half finish, anything more will just be a bonus.

Da Graca with his amazing performances was named young player of the month and was awarded with a new contract. Young left back Gallo refuses to sign a new deal however and will likely leave at the end of the season.

Camilla will report back at the end of February, will she be able to keep up her amazing run? With trips to leaders Lazio, to the San Siro to play Inter Milan, to Genoa and Torino and the visits of Udinese, Sassuolo, Pescara and Perugia, there will be plenty of opportunity to get a few more points in the bag.

A great start to the season after only just coming up! A lot to build on and it seems like Palermo are really going places!

It's now March and Camilla Cordella's Palermo still sit in 6th place in the Serie A. With 16 points from a possible 21, the team are looking stronger than ever. The team is beginning to gel well and there are good links across the pitch.



The year started off with a trip to Rome to face leaders Lazio. Da Graca opened the scoring from a Chong assist before Immobile equalised on the stroke of half time. Rizzo, assisted by McTominay restored the lead in the 62nd minute to cause a major upset and keep the team's good run going.

Udinese were lucky to leave the Renzo Barbera with a share of the points in a goalless draw.

A trip to Inter Milan put an end to the unbeaten run as a perfect start with a Jajalo goal on 3 minutes ended in defeat. Barbosa equalised after 11 minutes and as Palermo were beginning to create chances Pirrello was sent off for violent conduct. This left the guys in pink exposed and Inter profited with Candreva and Luan both scoring before the end of the half. To make things worse, Chong was sent of in stoppage time for a deliberate handball.

January ended with the thrashing of Sassuolo in Palermo. A brace from Da Graca and goals from Chochev, Rizzo and Szyminski as well as an own goal from Marlon saw Cordella's men run out 6-0 winners.



Pescara visited next and when Brugman opened the score in the 47th minute, Cordella thought there may be a slump. But the lads picked themselves up and goals from Da Graca, Lucera and a penalty from Schindler gave Palermo a deserved 3-1 win.

A trip to Genoa saw Palermo leading 3-0 by the 20th minute: two goals from Chochev and one from McTominay. With a show of complacency, the second half was a disaster with Genoa getting all the ball, Kragl and Lapadula scoring to make it 3-2. A late Genoa surge saw Jajalo dismissed for a second bookable offence. Star winger Rizzo was carried off injured in the 75th minute, he will be sidelined for several weeks with a torn hamstring.

Perugia's trip to the Renzo Barbera proved more challenging than expected. Chochev opened the scoring from a Correnti corner before Perugia's Mustacchio was sent off on the stroke of half time. But the ten men of Perugia proved hard to break down until Ruggiero assisted by Chong managed to add a second goal in the 86th minute. Perugia pegged one back 2 minutes later via Kouan, but Palermo did enough to secure the win.



So after 26 games, Palermo are in 6th position and the European dream still lingers on the horizon. Juventus are once again top, three points clear of Lazio as they hope to win their 9th consecutive title. Empoli lie dead bottom with 9 points from 25 games.

Elsewhere, the free transfer of Gallo to Inter Milan was confirmed, it will take place at the end of the season. Palermo lose one of their most promising talents to a rival. The board have also approved the expansion of the youth facilities which will be completed in October. Financially, due to prudent wage expenditure and the sale of many players, things are looking up with a balance of 30M, compared to the 5M at the beginning of the season, European football would boost the funds considerably.

The team still has to travel to Torino, Roma, Cagliari, Sampdoria and Juventus, with home ties against Fiorentina, Empoli, Milan, Bologna, Atalanta and Frosinone. Can Camilla Cordella continue the team's progress and secure a Europa League spot?

2018-10-29 22:23#251775 mgriffin2012 : A great start to the season after only just coming up! A lot to build on and it seems like Palermo are really going places!

They have a lot of promising youth, but I'm worried the team are playing above their abilities as most are considered Serie B level players. Da Graca could be one of the game's hidden gems, not a regen but with impressive attributes for a young lad.

Spring has covered the Sicilian countryside in beautiful colourful flowers. With 15 points from 24, Camilla Cordella's are still holding strong in the top half of the table.



A trip to Turin saw Torino edged out in a tight game thanks to a Da Graca penalty.

Fiorentina visited Sicily and thanks to goals from Correnti and a brace from Da Graca, Palermo won the game 3-1, Diks pulling one back in stoppage time.

Roma proved too strong for the guys in pink with El Shaarawy opening the score before Correnti equalised. Manolas made it 2-1 before the break and Dzeko added a third in the second half. This ended a run of 6 wins in a row for Palermo.

Cordella's boys picked themselves back up though with an emphatic win over Empoli. Da Graca got two and Cannavo got one before La Gumina got a consolation in the 73rd minute. Pirrello added a fourth two minutes later from a Jajalo corner. Debutant midfielder Santoro was named man of the match.



A trip to Cagliari ended in disappointment and a 2-1 defeat. Barella opened the score for Cagliari before Correnti equalised three minutes later. Boschilia scored the winner. Despite Ionita being send-off in the 85th minute, Palermo were unable to capitalise on their superiority.

Milan came to the Renzo Barbera and Cordella staged yet another major upset. Da Graca missed a penalty shortly after half time before Chong converted a Correnti assist to give Palermo a deserved 1-0 win.

Napoli were dominant in their humiliating defeat of Palermo. The team who sat one place behind the boys in pink managed to leap frog them into 6th place with this victory. Willian and Insigne scored before Szyminski added to the trouble by scoring an own goal just before the half. Cordella was furious and the boys headed out in the second half more determined, but still unable to convert any of their chances. It was rumoured Cordella kept the boys locked up in the dressing room after the game to express her anger.

Bologna were reduced to ten men after Poli committed a violent challenge in the 11th minute. Palermo were unable to make the most of the situation though and would have to wait to the second half before opening the scoring via Da Graca and Kastanos. Szyminski scored another own goal shortly after Bologna were reduced to nine men, Krafth being sent off for a second bookable offence. The performance wasn't great, but it was another three points.



Palermo find themselves in 7th place behind Napoli on goal difference. Juventus have taken a firm lead at the top of the table and seem destined to gain their ninth consecutive title.

Off the pitch, Palermo have secured the signing of Croatian midfielder Nikola Moro, who will join the club in June in a 6M euro deal. He will hopefully be able to replace loanee McTominay in the middle of the park. The transfer of Fiore to Malatyaspor has also been agreed in a 675k deal. Striker Mavididi will join Hull in a 600k deal.

With director of football Fonshi retiring, Cordella brought in Croatian Romeo Jozak.

With four games left to go, will Camilla Cordella be able to regain 6th spot?