Palermo are relegated, but President Maurizio Zamparini is confident “we will get straight back into Serie A.”
Palermo are relegated, but President Maurizio Zamparini is confident “we will get straight back into Serie A.”
The Sicilians had been in the top flight since 2004 and even qualified for Europe during that time, but dropped down after today’s 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina, joining Siena and Pescara.
“I am truly sorry for the people of Palermo, as they must find the strength to begin again with all we’ve experienced in 10 years,” said Zamparini.
“We will build a stronger Palermo. When you win, you’re treated like a hero, while a defeat turns you into a loser.”
The President must shoulder some of the responsibility, as he fired Giuseppe Sannino after three games, went through Gian Piero Gasperini, Alberto Malesani, Gasperini again and eventually recalled Sannino.
“Some changes were mistakes, others brought positive results. I made a mistake this time, especially as Sannino showed in the recent games how good he is.
“This is a cursed year. I am disappointed, but in football you win and you lose. Tomorrow I’ll meet with director Giorgio Perinetti and Sannino. The team is 90 per cent ready for Serie B and we won’t dismantle it.
“I sent messages to the fans because the people of Palermo belong in Serie A and the club will get straight back into Serie A.”
Zamparini did confirm Josip Ilicic is one of those likely to leave, as he has offers from Italy, Spain and England.
“Ilicic is a player who belongs in a top team, so I doubt he’d be happy to remain at Palermo in Serie B. I’ll have to talk it over with him, but he had already said he would go if a big club came calling.”