AS Roma-Palermo
Football: Italian Serie A
Saturday, 13th February 2010. Kickoff 19:00

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AS Roma

Roma is now playing the type of football which was a trademark for Italian Serie A in 90’s. Conservative, pragmatic and cold-hearted performances under Ranieri have brought a 3,5 month undefeated run in the top flight, qualification to Europa League play offs and a possible place in the Coppa Italia final. Whatever critics might be saying about Roma’s style of play – I still insist it is justified and has the right to be.

A week ago Giallorossi won in Florenze against Fiorentina in the type of match, which “a year ago they would’ve lost 0-3” © Mexes. Against all odds and unfavorable circumstances Roma stood strong to record yet another clean sheet and score a goal out of nothing at the death. Some may call this “luck”, but I doubt you can be fortunate this much for such a long period of time.

Before the match vs. Palermo numerous rumors have been circulating regarding the injury crisis in Roma camp. Totti, De Rossi, Vucinic and Toni were all considered to be out of the clash.

However latest news suggest that Luca Toni will remain the only casualty for Giallorossi. Totti’s ongoing injury woes can send him to the bench, especially with Europa League fixture vs. Panathinaikos just around the corner.

Expected formation and line up :
Roma (4-2-3-1)
Julio Sergio
Motta, Juan,Mexes, Riise
De Rossi,Pizzaro
Taddei, Perrotta, Vucinic
Totti or Baptista

Palermo

Palermo has emerged into one of the candidates for the 4th Champions’ League ticket from Italy alongside Napoli,Juventus and Sampdoria. Last week’s home win against Parma put them 5th only a point adrift from 4th placed Napoli.

Former Lazio’s coach, Delio Rosi, will certainly have special feelings when he takes his place at the Stadio Olimpico bench. Away games have not been going all that well for Palermo. With a 2-3-6 record and a goal difference of -6 - they don’t look invincible before the visit to Rome.

Central midfielder Nocerino is suspended for Palermo and is the only significant player out. Visitors should surely opt for the counter attacking tactic. As stats suggest Palermo usually has around 43% of ball possession in away fixtures.

Expected formation and line up :
Palermo(4-3-1-2)
Sirigu
Cassanni,Kjaer,Goian,Balzaretti
Migliaccio,Simplicio or Blasi,Bresciano
Pastore
Cavani,Miccoli

Betting advice

Last week Roma proved my expectations wrong, though, I was correct about the underish outcome vs. Fiorentina.

Palermo has always been a favorite client for Lupi in Rome and with positive news about the short injury list - I can't see what Delio Rosi can do about this rock solid team.

There is one smart quote in Russian: "the team which gets its' points out of bad games becomes the champion".

Roma will certainly not catch Inter Milan - but they are playing championship football now.

The Statistics :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Roma @ 1.67 with Bet365