Resurrecting Palermo

Top four looks a real possibility once again. Whilst Inter struggle, SPAL seem to be profiting.

March is an important month for Palermo. They face Marseille in the second round knockout in the Europa League, as well as the second leg against SPAL in the Coppa Italia. In the league, they are all winnable games and the attention is certainly on the aforementioned fixtures.



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Marseille travel to Italy for the first fixture in the second knockout round of the Europa League. This season Marseille have some what struggled in Ligue 1, they currently sit 7th in the table. Palermo on the other hand have started the season well and approach the game full of confidence after beating Wolves in the last round. The key player for Marseille will be their left winger, Pelissier, the Frenchman is a great dribbler with a lot of pace. Palermo are at full strength, bar the injured keeper Urso, and new signing Maric is beginning to cement him place in the midfield. His creativity along with Duncan's finishing ability will be key for Palermo. Marseille have converted former Ajax striker, Kasper Dolberg into a midfielder and he starts the game in CM, in a 4-4-1-1 formation. Palermo stick with their famous 4-3-3.



At half time the game is 0-0. There were no real chances for either side, Palermo slightly better creating 2 more shots and retaining 55% possession. In the 60th minute Maric played a through ball to Susa who scuffs it wide... This prompted Semp to change to 4-2-3-1. Roberts came on for Brobbey. Roudaut took a free kick in the 66th min which hit the post, so unlucky. In the 68th min Roberts too a free kick from wide on the left to the far post and Djordjevic applied bullet header to put Palermo 1-0 up. 71st minute Bruno is subbed on for Roudaut.73 minutes into the game, another Roberts free kick to the back post to Djordjevic who just headed wide.In the 78th min Bruno took a corner from the left, near post to Djordjevic who flicks it on and Ascacibar finishes at the far post 2-0 to Palermo. 82 minutes in and Palermo make their final change, Lukaku on for Duncan. In the 90th minute Petkovic pulls one back for Marsielle but VAR rules it offside. Full time, 2-0 to Palermo. Djordjevic was Man of the Match with a goal, assist and a clean sheet. Marsielle only managed 1 shot on target, a very good win which sets up Palermo in a good position for the second leg.


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After winning the first leg 2-0, Palermo should be able to progress in the second leg. In their last match they beat Atalanta 3-1, so came into the game full of confidence. Marseille decided to change to 4-2-3-1. Palermo approached the game the same as they did in the first leg.



16 minutes in Keith Duncan beats 2 players are slots the ball past Areola to put Palermo 3-0 up on aggregate. 31 minutes in Roberts crossed a free kick to the back post, volleyed in by Stevan Susa. 2-0 on the day and 4-0 on aggregate to Palermo. Surely Palermo will now progress into the quarter-finals now.
In the 42nd minute, Roudaut got injured, he comes off for Bruno Fernandes. Right before half time, Pelissier scores for Marseille but he is offside and the goal wont count. Half time 2-0 and Palermo are cruising. In the 73rd minute Brobbey came on for Susa. A quiet second half, the game ends 2-0. Palermo beat Marseille by the same score in both games and progress in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. Patrick Roberts was the Man of the Match. Roudaut is now out for 3-4 weeks with twisted ankle which happened during a challenge in the first half. Palermo are looking very good in the Europa League and looking at going all the way.




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Palermo lead the tie 2-1 after beating SPAL away last month. SPAL come to La Favorita playing well this season, they are currently 5th in the league, just one place behind Palermo. Manager, Mauro Zarate has developed SPAL into a quality side who play some great football so it will be a tough match.



Palermo started the game well and 5 minutes in they string together 4 quick passes on the edge of the box and Duncan bangs it in with his left foot from the edge of the box into the top corner. A great start for Palermo.That is Duncans 17th goal of the season, he really is Palermos talisman. In the 8th minute Maric picks the ball up at half way, drives down the middle of the pitch and see Roberts cutting in from the right. Roberts receives the ball and blasts it across the SPAL goal into the far corner of the net. 2-0 already to Palermo. 2 shots and 2 goals, Palermo have become ruthless in front of goal lately. 18 minutes in Susa darts down the left wing, floats a cross to the far cross and Roberts heads the ball in for his second goal of the game. 3-0 Palermo. With Joensen injured, Roberts has stepped up and lot's of people wrote him off as United released him but Semp believed he still had something to offer and he is proving to be a useful signing. In the 34th minute Pirola was caught on the ball and SPAL striker Di Biase drove towards goal and hit the post. Pirola was lucky to not be punished for his mistake. A wake up call for Palermo. Half time, 3-0 Palermo they have been really dominant. Roberts will come off as he has a tight hamstring, Mo Salah will replace him. Semp want's more in the second half and is expecting Palermo to keep attacking. 67 minutes in Salah picks the ball up deep and clips a perfect ball in behind the SPAL defence. Duncan bursts onto the ball and scores his 18th goal of the season. 4-0 to Palermo, this is getting embarrassing for SPAL. Now it is almost certain Palermo will feature in the final once again, as they did last season. In the 68th minute Pirola and Maric came off for Ngongang and Bruno Fernandes. The game ends 4-0, Palermo win 6-1 on aggregate. Roberts and Duncan with two goals each. Palermo are really on a good run of form and Keith Duncan is one of the hottest strikers in Europe right now.




Palermos Youth Intake this year is very underwhelming. None of the players that have come through the academy this year look like they will ever come close to playing for the first team. As a result, Palermo manager Semp asked the board to improve the youth facilities which they have agreed to do. Hopefully this will mean Palermo can develop some good young talent in the next few seasons.


Palermo have been fantastic this month in knockout competitions, but somewhat poor in the league. Against Sassuolo, Mo Salah had a chance to win the game, but his penalty hit the post resulting in a 1-1 draw. The goals seemed to dry up at the end of the month, with two losses against Benevento and Bresica. Palermo find themselves 7th in the league, but with 2 games in hand could move to as high as 3rd if they can improve their form once more. Exciting times ahead with the Europa League quarter-final draw favorable to Palermo, and a chance to win the Coppa Italia against Juventus, who they know they can beat.





Comments:
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Wolf - Yeah Juventus haven't started well but there are still a lot of games to go

TheLFCFan - Cheers mate, let's hope we can keep going aye.

ScottT - I am hoping for top 4 definitely! SPAL have been very good this season. Zarate has them doing very well.

A great start to the month, but suffered a little blow with the results towards the end. Still well and truly in the fight for 3rd or 4th, so a few good results and you'll be back on track

Perhaps the number of fixtures you had to play began to catch up with you towards the end of the month. Hopefully you can get back on the saddle and get some momentum going in the league again to force yourselves back into the top four. The Europa League draw looks to have been kind and you'll fancy yourselves in the cup final.

A tough month in the league but in the cup competitions you are flying. Some real chances of winning at least one this year and that will be great to have a bit of silverware under your belts. Hopefully next month the league results can improve and start to match the cup results.

Just 8 points between 3rd and 10th. It’ll be a tough battle but one you’ll have become accustomed to by now. That experience will be a big boost for you for the remainder of the season!

Still doing very well and top 4 is still well in contention. It was always going to be tougher this season with UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League football to focus on aswell as the Serie A

Not the best youth intake but I don't think that matters when you're performing so well in all competitions! Gladbach aren't the hardest opponents and there is certainly an opportunity to go very far in Europe

April is a very busy month for Palermo and the manager really has to focus on juggling all competitions, and rotating the squad effectively to succeed in every game. The opportunity to progress to the Europa League Final is probably the priority. Yet Palermo are still fighting for a top 4 finish. To put things in perspective, the Palermo board are only expecting a mid table finish, and that is their vision for the next 5 seasons. So Palermo are certainly over achieving, and a top 10 finish is almost guaranteed.

The fixtures for Palermo in April are the Europa League Quarter's against Freiburg and the league game at home against AC Milan.


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AC Milan come to La Favorita 2nd in the league. Carlo Ancelotti has revolutionized the club after they were really struggling just a few seasons ago. Troy Parrott has been the key man for Milan this season. So far he has scored 15 goals in 25 games. It will be a battle of the British strikers Parrott faces Duncan. Palermo have one eye of their tie against Freiburg in the Europa League just 2 days after the Milan match. Semp gave a rare start to young German winger Schmidt. The back line isn't Palermo's strongest as Pirola and Djordjevic needed to rest. AC Milan were at full strength, Hudson-Odoi and Jota and quality wingers that will cause Palermo a lot of problems. Donnarumma is a constant force in goal for Milan and will be tough to beat.

The game started well for Palermo. Just 10 minutes in Duncan had a chance but Donnarumma made a strong save at his near post. 15 minutes in Duncan broke through and had another good chance, but the Milan keeper again came out on top. At least Palermo are creating chances early on. 17 minutes into the game Milan with their first chance took a 1-0 lead. Parrott scored as Jota cut in front left and played a perfect pass to the Milan striker. Palermo can't believe it and look stunned. In the 20th minute Roberts crossed the ball to the far post and Schmidt's header his the top of the crossbar. Palermo have been so unlucky to not score yet. In the 31st minute Migliaccio took a deep free kick and launched it straight over the Milan defence. This time Duncan took his chance and beat Donnarumma to tie the game 1-1. At half time the score is even. Palermo have certainly created the better opportunities and are looking to claim all three points in the second half. 50 minutes in Palermo made a change, Salah came on for Roberts. In the 63rd minute Duncan beat three players and struck the side netting, he is causing Milan all sorts of problems. Just one minute later Milan had a good chance but Urso was quick off his line to deny Parrott his second of the game. 72 minutes in Maric went through on goal and once again Donnarumma made a big save. He has been outstanding in this match and without him in goal, Palermo could have scored at least 5 goals. 75 minutes in Kingsley comes on for Miele. In the 86th minute Milan left back Martinez played the ball into the Palermo box, and Huson-Odoi pounced to give Milan the 2-1 lead. Semp was screaming from the touchline for his players to push forward and attack for the rest of the game. Palermo pushed late but the game ended 1-2 to Milan.
Palermo were really disappointed and deserved something from the match. They had no time to dwell on the result and had to lift their heads as their next match is the Europa League Quarter Final.


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Freiburg are an unknown quantity to Palermo. The German side are currently 6th in the Bundesliga, their key player this season has been their Italian goalkeeper, Audero. Palermo have played well so far in the Europa League and are more than capable of earning an away win in the first leg. Semp decided to start Duncan even though he wanted a rest. Joensen is back fit and plays his first game after a lengthy injury spell. The formidable partnership of Pirola and Djordjevic start again, and the middle 3 is entirely different to
the three that played against Milan. For Freiburg, they play a traditional 4-4-2. Han and Bauer lead the line.

In the first minute of the game Duncan won the ball on the right side of the pitch and played the ball to the edge of the box, Belgian midfielder Roudaut was in perfect position and smashed the ball in from outside the box to give Palermo the early 1-0 lead. 11 minutes in Duncan went through on goal and completely mis-kicked his shot. A sign of tired legs, and Semp is already telling the subs to warm up as he planned to take Duncan off at half time. In the 24th minute Palermo thought they had their second goal, but Djordjevic header was ruled out by VAR, he started in an offside position from the free-kick, still 0-1. 32 minutes in Freiburg tried to play the ball out from the back and lost the ball cheaply. Roudaut played the ball into Joensen and marks his return to the team with a goal. 0-2 to Palermo. At half time Palermo lead by two and Freiburg have only managed one shot the whole half. Lukaku came on for Duncan at half time. Lukaku made an instant impact, rolling back the years he drove towards the Freiburg defence and cut the ball back to Bruno who struck his shot just wide. Freiburg are in real trouble if Palermo score another. 65 minutes in not a lot had happened in the second half, Semp decided to bring on Susa for Brobbey. 71 minutes in, Susa had a half chance and shot just wide. He has looked dangerous since coming on. The match ended as it was at half time, 0-2 to Palermo. The Italian side will now be confident in the second leg, and are one game away from the Europa League semi-final!



The second leg was not what Palermo expected. After a dominant 2-0 win in Germany, Palermo expected to do the same at home. But Freiburg came out firing and took a 2-0 lead. Palermo were stunned.
Right before half time Keith Duncan pulled a goal back for Palermo, and that was enough to see them progress to the semi-final. Palermo lost 2-1 but progress due to a 3-2 aggregate win.




Palermo have been somewhat struggling in the league and had a shock defeat to bottom of the league Parma.

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Jugen Klopps men will be a tough opponent for Palermo. Although they are 8th in the Bundesliga they have an array of talent that will cause trouble for Palermo. Anthony Hodges left Palermo in pre-season for Leipzig so Semp and his boys know all about him. Leipzig have a number of other well known names, such as Werner, Goretzka, Soloman and Pellegrini. RB Leipzig often play the same formation as Palermo, 4-3-3 with a DM. Semp started with Brobbey, Duncan and Roberts up top. The midfield consists of Roudaut, Bruno and Dier. The back line pick's itself, with Dider starting over usual starting RB, Marino.
RB Leipzig play 4-2-3-1. Hodges on the lef the key man to look out for.


4 mins in Palermo create the first chance of the game. Roudout played the ball over to Roberts who tested the Leipzig keeper forcing a save, an early corner for Palermo. In the 8th minute Hodges and ANokhin linked up for Leipzig and Andrey Anokhin drove a powerful shot into the top right corner. Leipzig take an early 1-0 lead. 21 minutes in another nice attacking move by Leipzig resulted in a chance for Hodges, but Urso made a great stop to keep Palermo in the game. In the 22nd minute Didier gave away a penalty! He pushed a Leipzig player in the box from a corner, Werner has a chance from the spot to make it 2-0 to Leipzig, and Werner converts. 2-0. Half time, Palermo are 2-0 down, Semp blasted the team and expects to see a much better second half performance, at least scoring an away goal with give the Italian side a fighting chance in the second leg. In the second half Leipzig continue to create chances... 64 minutes in Dier is injured and has to come off. Semp brings on Miele and changes to 4-2-3-1 moving Bruno to CAM. 72 minutes in Palermo pepper the Leipzig goal, Bruno, Duncan and Roudaut all shoot in the space of 10 seconds, but still cannot get the break through they are looking for. 78 minutes in Susa comes on for Brobbey. But he couldn't make an impact and the game ends in a 2-0 defeat for Palermo. They have to play a lot better at home in the second leg if they want to progress to the final.



In other results Palermo have been quite inconsistent in the league and seem to be dropping points where they shouldn't. The result against Leipzig means that they have to really go out and attack them in the second leg, but also have the Coppa Italia Final to keep an eye on. With just 8 games left in the league, it is still a reality for Palermo to finish at low as 11th, so their league form really must improve quickly. The key man this season has been record club signing Keith Duncan, but when he need to rest there hasn't really been another player Palermo can turn to and rely on for goals. Brobbey, Lukaku and Sgro, not quite clinical enough and Semp would love to bring in another world-class striker at the end of the season.




The next update will be the end of Season 10. A lot of big games to came, and there are so many possibilities in regards to silverware and the Serie A league table.

Comments:
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J_ames - Top 4 has to be the target, let's hope we can finish that high.

ScottT - The fixture congestion is certainly taking its toll. We are confident in the Cup Final but have to play a lot better now to progress past Leipzig.

TheLFCFan - Yes, there is a lot on the line, we are hoping we can win at least one trophy this season!

Justice - For sure, our experienced players have actually all played very well this season, apart from Lukaku.

Eoin97 - Yeah managing the squad in all the comps is a new challenge for us, and we will get better at it as the seasons progress.

Jack - Thanks mate, always want to bring through good youth players though!

As I thought everything went perfect, you're in this situation now, good luck with figuring this out mate !

Quality read. Just got up to date. You’ve made me want to do the Palermo challenge now. Good luck for the rest of the season.

'Juggling' is definitely the correct term here! Your focus on Europe has taken its toll on domestic performance for sure. However huge it is to be reaching the Semi-Finals, it is a shame to see you off the pace with regards to Champions League qualification. With so little league games remaining and such a large points gap it seems the best chance you have of UCL qualification is by winning the Europa League but overturning that two-goal deficit against Leipzig will be tough!

With just 8 games left in the league Palermo are aiming to win as many as possible to try and finish in the top 4. But the immediate focus is on Leipzig and trying to turn around a 2-0 deficit. Semp has been working on tactics behind the scenes and could see a change in formation to suit his emerging young star, Maric who prefers to play as an attacking midfielder. Palermo have real tough opponents still to face in the league, and the Coppa Italia Final against Juventus will be played just 2 days after the two sides meet in the league. The Palermo squad players must step up and perform now. These are Palermo's remaining fixtures:


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Just says before the Europa League semi-final, Palermo defender Djordjevic picked up an injury that will put him out for two weeks. He has developed into a fantastic defender and will be sorely missed. Eric Dier is the only other player right now out injured for Palermo. Palermo stick with their usual 4-3-3, but will play with a more attacking approach. Duncan, Susa and Joensen have been playing well together and their contribution will be crucial as Palermo need at least two goals in the game. Young Belgian defender De Vos, came in for the injured Djordjevic. Klopp matched Palermo's tactic and bough in experienced CB, Akanji to play alongside Konate. Werner leads the line, with Hodges and Soloman on the wings, two top players who will need to be watched closely.


Palermo start the game as well as the possibly could. In the 5th minute Duncan crossed the ball in from the left side of the pitch, and Pol Joensen was there to finish. Palermo take an early 1-0 lead and are right back in the tie now. That is Joensens 13th goal of the season. In the 16th minute a RB Leipzig counter attack results in midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez scoring to tie the game. Leipzig now lead 3-1 on aggregate and with an away goal it is going to be very hard for Palermo to come back now. Just 2 minutes later Palermo reply. They scored an almost identical goal to their first goal. Duncan crossed from the left side of the box and Joensen once again scores the goal. 2-1 on the day and 2-3 on aggregate, what a match so far. In the 32nd minute Stevan Susa who had been quiet all game, darted down the left wing and clipped a lovely ball to the back post, and that man again, Joensen scored! That is his hat-trick and a third header, Palermo lead 3-1 and have tied the game on aggregate, they must score again though as at this stage Leipzig would progress with the away goal rule in their favour. Joensen has been incredibly clinical today. He now has 15 goals this season, not bad for a winger. Right before half time Urso makes an important save to prevent Leipzig from leading the tie. The teams go in at the break, with Palermo leading 3-1. Joensen clearly the best player so far, but Palermo cannot stop now and need to score another in the second half. Semp was full of praise at half time but also demanding more. Palermo are 45 minutes, and 1 goal away from the Europa League Final! 55 minutes in Goretzka strikers a powerful shot from the edge of the box and Urso makes and unbelievable save. Leipzig have come out stronger in the second half and Palermo need to wake up again. 59 minutes in Duncan was through on goal, but from a tight angle cannot beat the Leipzig keeper. In the 71st minute, Palermo still searching for another goal to see them through, Roudaut looked exhausted so he was taken off for Bruno Fernandes. 77 minutes in Bruno delivered a lovely free kick into the box and Acascibar scored, but he was offside. The Palermo players are furious and surround the ref. They now have just over 10 minutes to find the winning goal. Semp decides to bring on Roberts for Susa and push Maric into the CAM role changing to 4-2-3-1, it is now or never for Palermo. In the 85th minute Palermo have a free kick on the edge of the area, and Bruno struck in nicely but too straight, an easy save for Stojkovic. Just 5 minutes left Palermo are now going all out attack. Palermo create the last chance in the game but cannot score and the game ends. Palermo fought so well to get back into the game and are heartbroken as Leipzig will progress to the final thanks to the away goal scored from Gonzalez. A dream Europa journey is now over for Palermo, they played so well and will take the positives, and come back stronger next season.



For Palermo now the attention is back on the Serie A battle. Two tough away games against Napoli and Juventus, before the Coppa Italia Final which will be the next 'feature match'. The Palermo players are gutted after their brutal exit from the Europa League, and to have to play Napoli away just 2 days later is going to be a tough battle.

A heavily rotated Palermo side suffered a 2-0 defeat to a resurgent Napoli. Boss Semp not too disheartened as he is resting his more important players for the cup final, it will be a similar situation in the next league game against Juventus, who are currently top of the league, tied with AC Milan. Semp doesn't want to risk picking up any more injuries and is thinking of more of less throwing the league game to focus on the cup.

As expected a second string Palermo suffered defeat to Juventus who are aiming to win every league game and secure the league title. The Palermo team that lost 4-0 will look completely different to the starting XI that will play Juventus again in 2 days time. Semp didn't want to have to throw games, but due to the scheduling of fixtures was left with no choice, and after the cup final can focus finishing the league campaign strong.

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Palermo are licking their lips at the opportunity to play in another Coppa Italia Final. They suffered defeat last year against Inter Milan, and are completely focus on the challenge of playing Juventus. Palermo have never won the Coppa Italia, so winning the final would go down in the club history. On the other hand, Juventus have won the cup 14 times. It is a David vs Goliath encounter that will surely bring a lot of entertainment. Keith Duncan, is predicted to be the star man of the final, he is the current top scorer in the competition, but Juventus obviously have a lot of star power in attack themselves. Zidane and Semp face off in the dugout, with all the pressure on the Frenchman. Juventus reportedly demanding he wins the league this year, or they will find another man who can. For Semp, he is over achieving, and being in the final is seen as a success to the Palermo board. Both Juventus and Palermo start the game playing 4-3-3. Palermo now at full strength bar the injured Djordjevic, so De Vos gets the nod. Palermo's lethal front 3 is back on the pitch, and Joensen is beaming with confidence after his hat-trick in the last game he played against Leipzig.


Palermo created a good opportunity for Duncan in the first minute of the match, but experienced goalkepper Alisson was quick off his line to deny the Scottish striker. In a rather dull first 30 minutes, not a lot has happened, Maric played a good ball to Susa who couldn't cause Alisson any trouble with his shot. The fans were expecting more action, but it hasn't lived up to the hype just yet. In the 37th minute, Dembele reacted quickly in the box to give Juventus the 1-0 lead. 43 minutes in Palermo broke with a lighting quick counter attack, but once again Susa couldn't finish. Palermo need to start testing Alisson more, at this stage it is looking like Palermo are struggling under the pressure in such a big game, as they did last year against Inter. At half time Juventus lead the match 1-0, Semp rallying and encouraging the boys to push on and play more attacking in the second half, it could potentially leave them more open at the back, but they need a goal. 54 minutes in Duncan went through on goal, and Alisson made another good save. Palermo have started the second half much better than the first. In the 58th minute the ball was in the back of the net for Palermo thanks to Duncan, but he was ruled offside.. In the 66th minute David Neres struck a powerful shot that was heading towards the top corner, but Urso made a flying save to keep the score at 1-0. In the 71st minute Roudaut played a corner to the feet of Susa on the edge of the box who shot first time and it skimmed the post, Palermo so close to equalizing. Semp turned to the bench and couldn't really see who to bring on to make a difference so he is sticking with the 11 players on the pitch to try and find the equalizing goal. With 10 minutes to go the Palermo players are exhausted so Semp brings on Salah and Roberts, can they go on to make the difference? In the 89th minute Salah had a good chance but he couldn't hit the target. Once again, Palermo lost the Coppa Italia Final. Juventus win the game 1-0. Palermo have been hard done by the last few seasons, and are so close to winning a major trophy. Juventus add another cup to their already impressive collection.


With 6 games left in Serie A, Palermo can now focus their attention completely on the league. Top 6 finish is the target now, if they finish 7th they have a Euro League II Play-Off. With some very tough games still to play against Inter, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina it will be an uphill battle. But Palermo are now a team that can compete with the biggest and best clubs in Italy.


Palermo began the run of final league games with a poor result against Inter Milan. A 5-1 loss, Fabio Silva was ruthless scoring a hat-trick in the match. When having to rotate players this season, certain players have been proved incapable of effecting the match, Lukaku, Sgro and Kingsley are three players who we are going to look to move on next season, as they simply aren't good enough. Lukaku's contract will end at the end of the season, he has been terrible for Palermo this season, with 0 goals, his wages will be used much more efficiently on other players next season. Salah will also leave, as he is retiring, although he has contributed at times this season, he will free up even more wages. The next match was a 2-0 home win against, Palermo's first win in 4 games since beating Leipzig in the second leg. Miele and Duncan with the goals. Just 4 games left now and Palermo are pushing for Europa League football qualification for next season as the top 4 is now out of sight. We suffered a 2-0 defeat at San Siro to Milan. In a tight away game against Cagliari, we played well and created a lot of chances but only managed to earn 1 point with a 1-1 draw. Once again, Duncan was rested and we struggled to take our chances. With just 2 games left now, the congestion of fixtures and playing in multiple competitions seems to have had a negative effect on our league campaign and we now are most likely to finish in 7th place (still exceeding the boards expectations). The next match is against 4th placed Lazio, and our nightmare, Esposito, who always scores against us. The plan is to man mark him and crunch him the entire game. The 26 year old Italian has 26 goals this season, and he is top scorer in the league with 21, Parrott has 20 and Fabio Silva has 19. Djordjevic returned to the side after a 2 week injury and the big Serbian defender scored a strong header to give Palermo the 1-0 lead! His 5th goal of the season, he has been a revelation this season. Djordjevic goal was the only goal of the game, and Palermo earned a very important 3 points. The final game of the season is against Fiorentina, and we are 1 point away from Europa League qualification for next season. We would have loved to be in the top 4 and back in the Champions League again, but Europa League is a more fair reflection of where we are currently at. Duncan gave us the 1-0 lead after 31 minutes and it looked like we were going to win the match until Urso fumbled a shot from Rabbi in the 91st minute. The match ended 1-1 which was enough to see us finish 6th in the league.



We have to be happy with that season again. Although we didn't win anything we progressed well in Europe, made another cup final, and securely finished in the top half of the season. Next season we will look to strengthen the squad once more, definitely looking for another striker. We will also likely play 4-2-3-1 next season rather than 4-3-3.


Th board have given Palermo a good amount of money to work with to try and add more depth to the squad. The starting XI is very good but we need more back up.

The Europa League Final was a madness, Ex-Palermo man Hodges scored, and Lepzig were 2-0 up, but Tottenham came back to score 3 goals in injury time! I would be fuming if that happened to me...



Player of the Season: Keith Duncan: This man was a great signing for us this season, and well worth the money we spent. He scored 27 goals in all competitions and still only 21 years old, can become even better. When he didn't play he was sorely missed, so we are praying for the schedule to be fixed next season, as he will be able to play more games then.





The club vision remains the same, the board just wants a top half finish, and we have almost guaranteed that with the quality in our squad, we are now certainly one of the better clubs in Serie A, and will have no problem finishing in the top half for the next few seasons.

Backing you to have a serious shot at the Serie A title

Keith Duncan is really impressive, a few recruits in the right positions will see a 4th placed finish [or higher] next season imo. Gonna be tough to catch Juventus and Inter by the looks of things