Palermo have the chance to win the Coppa Italia after thirty-two years when they take on Inter in the final on Sunday.
Despite the encompassing interest around Javier Pastore from various clubs, and the racist abuse against Samuel Eto’o off the field, Palermo and Inter will take the field in earnest during Sunday’s Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
In some seasons, the Coppa Italia, even in the latter stages, inspires only passing interest. However, given that Palermo will be competing in the tournament’s final after thirty-two years, and that Sunday represents the last chance for Inter to land a domestic trophy this season, the game has amplified significance.
Palermo had to beat newly-crowned Italian champions Milan in the semi-final to earn their chance to ease the pain of 1979, the year they lost to Juventus in the final. Inter, winners of this competition three times in the last six years, finished six points behind Milan in the standings, but winning the Coppa Italia will provide a measure of satisfaction.
Inter
Right-back Maicon is suspended for Inter, so Nagatomo will start in his place. Wesley Sneijder and Cesar should be fit for the final after returning to training this week.
Leonardo is expected to go with his preferred 4-3-1-2 formation.
Likely formation: Cesar; Nagatomo, Lucio, Ranocchia, Chivu; Zanetti, Motta, Stankovic; Sneijder; Eto’o, Pazzini
Palermo
Central defender Cesare Bovo scored a penalty for Palermo that effectively deflated Milan in the semi-final, but he is suspended after being shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle in the same game. Argentinean Ezequiel Munoz is expected to deputize for him.
Delio Rossi will most likely stick to the 4-3-2-1 formation that got the better of Milan, making only a like for like change in central defence.
Likely formation: Sirigu; Cassani, Goian, Munoz, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Acquah, Nocerino; Ilicic, Pastore; Hernandez
Players to watch
Eto’o (Inter): There was media speculation about him leaving Inter after being racially abused in the city. However, he quickly moved to deny the reports, saying that he was committed to Inter. Quite simply, Eto’o is Inter’s key in every game, and his ability to perform almost always in finals could be the deciding factor.
Pastore (Palermo): Not for nothing are top clubs queuing up for Pastore. Barcelona and Milan are heavily linked with the playmaker whose precocious vision would be an asset for any team. As the creative force behind the striker, he can unravel even Lucio on Sunday.
Prediction
Palermo will be aching for a victory on Sunday. For Inter, winning the Coppa Italia would only bring slight joy in comparison. Yet, it is hard to see past a Nerazzurri victory. 2-1 Inter.
Hasan Saiyid blogs at www.notevenanoriundo.com. You can also follow him on twitter.com/notevenoriundo
In some seasons, the Coppa Italia, even in the latter stages, inspires only passing interest. However, given that Palermo will be competing in the tournament’s final after thirty-two years, and that Sunday represents the last chance for Inter to land a domestic trophy this season, the game has amplified significance.
Palermo had to beat newly-crowned Italian champions Milan in the semi-final to earn their chance to ease the pain of 1979, the year they lost to Juventus in the final. Inter, winners of this competition three times in the last six years, finished six points behind Milan in the standings, but winning the Coppa Italia will provide a measure of satisfaction.
Inter
Right-back Maicon is suspended for Inter, so Nagatomo will start in his place. Wesley Sneijder and Cesar should be fit for the final after returning to training this week.
Leonardo is expected to go with his preferred 4-3-1-2 formation.
Likely formation: Cesar; Nagatomo, Lucio, Ranocchia, Chivu; Zanetti, Motta, Stankovic; Sneijder; Eto’o, Pazzini
Palermo
Central defender Cesare Bovo scored a penalty for Palermo that effectively deflated Milan in the semi-final, but he is suspended after being shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle in the same game. Argentinean Ezequiel Munoz is expected to deputize for him.
Delio Rossi will most likely stick to the 4-3-2-1 formation that got the better of Milan, making only a like for like change in central defence.
Likely formation: Sirigu; Cassani, Goian, Munoz, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Acquah, Nocerino; Ilicic, Pastore; Hernandez
Players to watch
Eto’o (Inter): There was media speculation about him leaving Inter after being racially abused in the city. However, he quickly moved to deny the reports, saying that he was committed to Inter. Quite simply, Eto’o is Inter’s key in every game, and his ability to perform almost always in finals could be the deciding factor.
Pastore (Palermo): Not for nothing are top clubs queuing up for Pastore. Barcelona and Milan are heavily linked with the playmaker whose precocious vision would be an asset for any team. As the creative force behind the striker, he can unravel even Lucio on Sunday.
Prediction
Palermo will be aching for a victory on Sunday. For Inter, winning the Coppa Italia would only bring slight joy in comparison. Yet, it is hard to see past a Nerazzurri victory. 2-1 Inter.
Hasan Saiyid blogs at www.notevenanoriundo.com. You can also follow him on twitter.com/notevenoriundo
