Cagliari-Palermo Preview

By: Jeremy | February 16th, 2008

How often does Cagliari come into a game where the turmoil on the opposing team and the sanity of its President is more in question then theirs? Never until this week. Cagliari travels to Sicily to face a Palermo side whose on the field performance has been well below average of late and whose President has resorted to calling his team a bunch of girls. He is outdoing our own Cellino. I expect some crazier behavior soon from Cellino if he wants to maintain his title as the most insane President in Serie A. With all that is going on with Palermo, Cagliari couldnt ask for a better time to face them.

Even with Cagliari playing well and Palermo facing too much drama within, Palermo is still the better team and until recently a solid choice to play in Europe from Serie A. However, the positivity in Cagliari and frustration in Palermo certainly helps if Cagliari is going to get points this week.

Rumor is Foggia might start and actually play the whole match. Fragile or not, he is Cagliaris best player and makes the match completely different when he is in there. Unfortunately this good news may be offset by the fact Larrivey may start again this week. You know my thoughts on this guy. Jeda should be in more of an attacking role as it is clear the mindset has changed recently and the team now wants to play some attacking football. This new found approach makes me think Cagliari has a chance almost every week.

Palermo should have all of its players and cannot afford not to take three points this week so the pressure is on. This could lead to some inspiring play or a team that plays like it is afraid to lose and will play defensive football. Cagliari knows all about this style and it does not work.

Cagliari has scored first in its past two games only to allow the equalizer seconds later. Another first goal would be huge and the team has the motivation to go to Palermo and win. They have not quit despite their bad position in the standings. Look for both teams to come out aggressive and this could be another entertaining game. We might see more goals then we expect and any result that brings points would be great for Cagliari and help them continue their slow but steady improvement toward safety. Cagliari has not lost in Palermo in some time so a result is possible considering all that is going on off the pitch with the Sicilians. Palermo does not want that to happen or they could really see the wrath of their President. Its anyones game and Cagliari needs some points so I will be optimistic.

Prediction 2-2 draw.