Prediction: Parma vs Palermo

4th December 2011

Parma are hoping to return to winning ways following the unlucky defeat to Novara as well as remain in the top half of the table. Palermo, on the other hand, are eager to improve their awful record on the travels, but the absence of several important players could prove to be a problem.

Following some very good performances in the previous Serie A campaign and a mid table finish, Parma managed to keep hold of their key players in the summer, while adding players like Sergio Floccari, Mateo Rubin, Jonathan Biabiany and Graziano Pelle to the side. With amazing Sebastian Giovinco pulling the strings in attack, Parma enjoyed a pretty good start to the season, even if their performances on the travels leave a lot to be desired. On the other hand, il Ducali have been pretty convincing at home, winning four of six games at their Ennio Tardini. The good home record definitely gives them reason for optimism before the Palermo clash, seeing that their opponents picked up just one point from six away games. Having beaten sides like Chievo, Genoa and Udinese at Tardini, il Ducali should be trusted to do the same against one of the worst travelers in the elite division. Sergio Floccari, Massimo Gobi and Francesco Modesto miss out, meaning that Graziano Pelle and Sebastian Giovinco are set to form attacking partnership.

When coach Stefano Pioli was sacked just two competitive games into his Palermo career, people started wondering whether the Rosanero can recover from such a blow, but his replacement Devis Mangia has done pretty well so far. Palermo were always a force to be reckoned with at their Renzo Barbera, but having won all six home games this term, the new boss has got to be given some credit. On the other hand, Mangia needs to take the blame for the fact that his side have brought just one point from six away games, while failing to score a single goal in the process. It is more than evident that Palermo are a completely different side when they leave Sicily, and that is something the boss will need to work on. The Rosanero may see this game as a perfect opportunity to end the barren away run, but that is easier said than done now that key players Fabrizio Miccoli, Abel Hernandez and Eran Zahavi are all sidelined.

Conclusion

Parma have been playing great football at their Ennio Tardini and il Ducali look more than ready for this game. Palermo, on the other hand, cannot seem to find the cure for their dismal away form, and with three important players out of contention, they look destined for yet another defeat.

Verdict: Home win Parma (1)

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: William Hill