Parma vs Lecce preview - Mangia targets long-awaited away win

Posted Sunday, December 18, 2011 by PA

Palermo coach Devis Mangia believes there is no better time for his side to end their eight-month winless run on the road than in Sunday's match at Catania.

Mangia's men go into the all-Sicilian showdown desperate to put a dismal week firmly behind them.

Palermo saw their perfect record at home end in a 1-0 defeat to Cesena and were then eliminated from the Coppa Italia on penalties by Siena in midweek.

"It's tough to lose on penalties," Mangia said. "But the fact is we made many individual mistakes just as we had done against Cesena.

"But our recent results should not be an excuse in view of our game at Catania. We have to go there ready to give everything we have to get a win.

"This is a very important game for us and my players are aware of it.

"We need to finally end our negative trend on the road and there is no better place to do it than at Catania."

The visitors will be without Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas, who sustained a thigh injury in midweek and is ruled out until the new year.

Francesco Benussi will replace Tzorvas in goal.

To complicate matters for Mangia, defender Eros Pisano fractured his right ankle last weekend and will be sidelined for 40 days while defender Ezequiel Munoz and midfielder Afriyie Acquah are both suspended.

A win for the hosts would see rivals Catania leapfrog Mangia's side in the standings.

Vincenzo Montella's side lies two points behind Palermo, who are sixth.

Catania go into the encounter desperate to rediscover their winning touch at the Angelo Massimino stadium after losing their last two league games at home.

"We know how vital it is to get results at home in order to defend our Serie A status," Montella said. "I expect three points on Sunday."

Catania held Atalanta to a 1-1 draw last weekend despite being down to 10 men for 47 minutes following Nicola Spolli's sending off.