Reggina - Palermo Preview

We’re getting close to match day for the 26th giornata, so I thought I’d post my first preview. I must say, I couldn’t have chosen a better time to start the Reggina blog. Only a week after the 2 – 1 win over Juve, and in anticipation of this weekend’s game against the Sicilians.

Here’s some background and analysis, on everything from the match-ups, to some historical tidbits you might not have known.

The Reggina – Palermo game gives Amaranto fans an extra reason to be excited. First of all, with Messina’s drop to Serie B this year, this is the closest thing Reggina fans have to a true derby. I know the two teams traditionally haven’t been main rivals, but the rossoneri are the closest squad to Reggio Calabria, location-wise (actually, Catania is pretty close too, but I need to build some added drama to this.)

I think this “rivalry” holds true more for American fans than Italian. The majority of Italian emigrants came over from Southern Italy, specifically and there is a distinct pride the Palermitani associate with being from Sicilia, and there is equally as much pride that the Calabresi take in coming from their part of the boot. Anyway, this should add a little extra spice to anyone who follows these teams.

Also, I thought I’d shed some light on the political backdrop over the past month in both places that has set the stage for this game. Take this for what it’s worth. Its impact on the game will probably be non-existent, but for me, it does add some extra intrigue:

If you don’t follow Italian politics and current events, you might not be aware that a few weeks ago there was the biggest mob bust in nearly 25 years. Sicilian mafiosi from Palermo and New York were arrested in a joint Italian/US government sting operation.

Interestingly enough, this was countered last week by the arrest of Ndrangheta boss, Pasquale Condello. For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, ‘Ndrangheta is the lesser known (but far more powerful) Calabrese mafia, which bar none has eclipsed the Sicilian mob, and currently accounts for 3.5 percent of Italy’s entire GDP (take a step back and just think about that number for a second, and imagine if that held true in whatever country you reside in.) According to Italian investigators, Condello was the most powerful boss of the empire.

So there’s your history lesson, as I said take it for what it’s worth. But for me, it’s always interesting to understand the political landscape of the teams’ I’m following, and sets the stage for a game that has some political overtones to it. Now, onto the matchups.

FAN BASE: Now here’s a matchup that supporters of the Amaranto simply won’t be able to contest. I have a ton of respect for Palermo fans and their passion. The tentacles of their fan base spreads throughout the world, from Italy to Australia, to the US and Canada. Back when Palermo gained promotion to Serie A, they shut down the main avenue here in my neighborhood to host a celebration.

As much as it pains me to say this, us Reggina fans simply don’t match up. The Palermo fan base is well-established, passionate and knowledgeable, while the Reggina group is generally a young crowd, still-growing and gaining momentum. This is not necessarily a bad thing, by the way, it’s just not something that we can boast like the Palermo fans can.

I expect to see a pretty large tifoseria traveling across the Strait of Messina to support Palermo, as they jockey for a UEFA position. We still have the home field advantage, but the field itself is about the only thing I would give us the edge on when comparing the two.

Advantage: Palermo

MOMENTUM: I’m trying to be as impartial as possible, and not allow biased to get in the way, but looking at these teams, I can’t help but see two squads headed in opposite directions.

Normally, you’d think a team that has only been victorious in one of its last five games would definitely not have the edge over anyone. But boy, that one win was enormous. Reggina is only a week removed from knocking off La Vecchia Signora (Juve), and putting controversy aside, it was a much needed victory that lifted the boys’ collective spirits. After following this up with a 1 – 0 loss to Lazy-o at the Stadio Olimpico (cringe) I don’t think the Amaranto’s momentum has been hurt too gravely.

At the same time, our transfers are starting to find their roles in the Reggina system, and you’ve gotta figure that there is a grace period any fan must give to transfer players after coming over from new teams. Brienza was a great addition, and is starting to find his niche in the Amaranto system. I think Makinwa will start to contribute, as well (more on this below).

As for Palermo, they’re 3-0-2 in their last five. But let’s put their recent home wins against Serie B bound teams aside for a moment (Empoli, Cagliari, Livorno), as those were games they clearly had no business losing.

Now we’re left with an embarrassing road performance in Torino, and a heartbreaking defeat at the San Siro last weekend against Milan. With the inconsistent product Palermo has been putting on the pitch this season, I’m just not confident at all in this team’s ability to perform after suffering a road loss.

Advantage: Reggina

LINEUPS: Probable formations:

Reggina (3-4-2-1): Campagnolo, Lanzaro, Valdez, Aronica, Cirlillo, Baretto, Cascione, Costa, Vigiani, Brienza, Amoruso

Palermo (3-5-2): Fontana, Barzagli, Zaccardo, Rinaudi, Cassani, Simplicio, Guana, Caserta, Balzaretti, Miccoli, Amauri

ATTACK: As much as I love Brienza and Amoruso, it’s impossible to give the edge over any team that boasts a stud like Amauri up front. I think Brienza has an extra incentive to score in this one, as he knows Zamparini will be watching closely, but if you’re comparing the front lines, there’s no way you can give the nod to Reggina.

Advantage: Palermo

MIDFIELD: While Simplicio, Guana and Caserta, with a bench of Bresciano and co. are clearly the better talents than Reggina’s boys, I just don’t see any consistency or chemistry from Palermo’s side that would let me give them the edge. Also, Barreto and Cascione can hold their own against this side.

Advantage: Push

DEFENSE: Valdez, Aronica and co. just give up too many easy goals to make this one worth comparing.

Advantage: Palermo

GK: Neither are anything to write home about, let’s face it.

Advantage: Push

ALLENATORI: Come on, Ulivieri versus Guidolin? Don’t get me wrong, I actually like Guidolin, but given the circumstances, he hasn’t been put in the best position to work to his full capabilities by Zamparini.

If you’re comparing pure coaching ability, I’d say it’s a toss up, if not advantage Guidolin. But given the clubs’ situations, there’s no way you can say that Guidolin is a more effective manager than Renzo. Too much pressure from above, not the right mix of talent on the field, a late start on the bench this season – I’ll say “no thank you, Francesco.”

Advantage: Reggina

PREDICTION: I expect a hard-fought battle here. In my mind, the main question is will Reggina’s heart and momentum/chemistry give Palermo’s talent and athleticism a run for its money?

I think there’s also some added intrigue to this game, with Brienza facing his former team, the southern derby-like flair and atmosphere, not to mention the political backdrop that shadows this fixture.

Both teams are difficult to bet on winning. Palermo is just too inconsistent and faces too much behind-the-scenes chaos for me to feel confident about. On the other hand, Reggina is obviously the less talented, underdog squad.

Reggina can take this one if the stars are aligned right. I think the new arrivals will play a big factor in this one, but in the end, it’s just too tough for me to lean in one direction or another.

Prediction: Reggina 2 – Palermo 2

Category: Team News

Tags: mafia, Palermo, Reggina, Team News

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