Bortolo Mutti has put the pressure on misfiring Josip Ilicic in Fabrizio Miccoli’s absence as Palermo visit Bologna.
Bortolo Mutti has put the pressure on misfiring Josip Ilicic in Fabrizio Miccoli’s absence as Palermo visit Bologna.
Miccoli has been given compassionate leave after his father-in-law was taken ill on Saturday, so Ilicic must answer his critics.
“It is going to be tough, but we’ll play our game,” said Coach Mutti. “Above all, I expect a great deal from Ilicic. In a certain sense, he will be replacing Miccoli.
“We are not asking for the moon from Ilicic. We just want him to play with effort and the spirit of sacrifice to help his teammates.
“Palermo have missed many points away from home this season, so we have to try to get something on our travels too. We need more belief outside the Barbera.”
Federico Balzaretti is also out of action due to a thigh problem, so Matias Aguirregaray is expected to start.