Palermo-Milan Preview: Midtable Rematch

In November, Palermo shocked Milan by beating us 2-0 at the San Siro. (that’s no April Fool’s Joke.) But that shouldn’t have been as surprising, given the sage advice “Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line.” (Although in that movie, the Sicilian dies.) But even more shocking is that Zamparini has kept the same coach for a full year and a half. With only 3 points on the table above Palermo, though, sadly it could be a shock now for Milan to come home with three points. One thing is for sure, this midtable rematch certainly should not be boring.

Iachini prays to pull the double on Milan this year

Palermo has actually done surprisingly well this season, currently sitting in 11th place. But Iachini is probably more surprised that he is actually still working at Palermo. Who knew he would be the coach that Zamparini would keep faith in? After gaining promotion for them last season, he has done very well for the Sicilian side. So even after Zamparini admitted that Dybala is too sexy for Palermo and won’t sign a contract renewal, there is plenty to fear for Milan as we head to Sicily on Saturday.

Palermo are winless in their last five games, including most recent losses to Juventus and Chievo. So they will be anxious not only to get home to their families for Easter, but to dispatch of Milan and send us home with empty Easter baskets. For their Chievo matchup, Iachini lined up Sorrentino; Vitiello, Andelkovic, Terzi, Daprela; Barreto, Maresca, Rigoni; Dybala, Vazquez, and Quaison. However Andelkovic will be suspended for this match, as he saw red in that game. It seems he will also be with out Morganella and Gonzalez due to injuries.

Inzaghi also looks for a miracle

Inzaghi, on the other hand may also be surprised that he still has a job, but that would be only if you listen to the media. Or look at the results. With only three wins this calendar year, all to relegation teams, Milan seem lucky to be in 8th place. With all the club and management have been through this past few years, they probably really are lucky to be that high on the table. But that won’t stop them from heading to Palermo with renewed determination after a win to going into the international break.

Inzaghi will also have a somewhat renewed squad, with the return of the likes of De Jong, Bonaventura, De Sciglio, and more. There is also the miracle that none of Abate, Antonelli, or Cerci were injured while on national team duty with Conte (not even fake-injured.) Who says Easter isn’t full of miracles? Because it’s going to take another big miracle for our defense to keep Vazquez and Dybala off the scoresheet.

Will Jack bring us luck again?

It would literally feel like a miracle for us to dominate Palermo. But I would be thrilled with any result, just to keep some positive emotions tied to this squad right now. Both teams are hungry, if not desperate, for the win, and anything can happen on a lovely spring afternoon in Sicily. It’s sad to be a midtable team, but more sad that even some of our most devout fans have contributed to so much negativity. So I will say that I believe in miracles. Let’s hope Milan can at least give another good performance, if not settle the score in this Easter midtable rematch.

This post inspired by the music of The Smiths

Palermo vs. Milan

Saturday, April 4 • 15:00 CEST (9am EDT)

This match is being shown on RAI and BeIN Sports in the U.S.