The Sicilian Derby gives Catania the opportunity to push arch rivals Palermo towards Serie B this afternoon, so Rolando Maran expects “strong emotions.”
The Sicilian Derby gives Catania the opportunity to push arch rivals Palermo towards Serie B this afternoon, so Rolando Maran expects “strong emotions.”
Palermo have historically been the bigger and more successful club, but the Elefantini are fighting for Europe now while their neighbours are in the bottom three. Click here for a match preview.
“We are concentrated on the Derby and it’s going to provide strong emotions, seeing how much it means to both sets of fans,” said Coach Maran.
“We are aware of this and with the push from our supporters we’ll try to beat Palermo. It is still worth three points like every other game, but clearly this means something more to the fans.
“The Rosanero are in good shape and have a great Coach in Giuseppe Sannino, but we will aim to take control of the match and use our quality.”
Fabrizio Miccoli is out injured, but Josip Ilicic has shaken off a knock to feature for Palermo. Catania are without Pablo Alvarez and Adrian Ricchiuti.
“I don’t think an individual player, even one like Miccoli, can make such a big difference. In any case, Catania will go out there with great hunger, courage and determination to beat Palermo.”
Catania squad for Palermo: Andujar, Frison, Messina; Bellusci, Capuano, Legrottaglie, Marchese, Potenza, Rolín, Spolli; Almiron, Barrientos, Biagianti, Castro, Izco, Lodi, Salifu; Bergessio, Çani, Doukara, Gomez, Keko