Genoa vs Palermo preview - Palermo president demands better

Posted Sunday, March 13, 2011 by PA

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini wants a drastic improvement at Genoa after his team's poor display in Rome last weekend.

The Sicilians lost 2-0 at Lazio - their fourth straight defeat and Serse Cosmi's first since taking over the team following the sacking of coach Delio Rossi.

"It was painful to see Palermo against Lazio," Zamparini said. "My team had no ideas, no determination, nothing.

"My Argentinian players are performing as though they were playing in Serie B and the Slovenians as if they were competing in Italy's third division. I hope the veteran players will give the coach a helping hand.

"If we continue to play like this, without determination and confidence, I fear we will only extend the club's negative record.

"It is necessary for the group to be united and not think about themselves. Only those who are willing to fight should play on Sunday."

Palermo's dismal spell has seen them drop to eighth in the standings, six points behind Roma, who occupy the last European qualifying spot.

Cosmi's side has struggled in every department, having given away 10 goals in the last three league games while failing to find the back of the net in as many matches.

Genoa, meanwhile, were humbled 5-2 at the San Siro by Inter Milan in the last round of fixtures.

The result was their second straight loss and left the Grifoni in 12th place.

Genoa will seek home comfort this weekend as they are unbeaten at the Luigi Ferraris stadium since January 16.

Genoa coach Davide Ballardini will be bolstered by the return of Domenico Criscito and Miguel Veloso from suspension, while former Udinese striker Floro Flores serves a one-match ban.

Cosmi welcomes back veteran striker Fabrizio Miccoli, who has missed the last two leagues through injury.

Miccoli is set to partner Abel Hernandez in Palermo's attack.