November 24th, 2012.
That’s the last time Palermo won a match. A 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Catania seems like it was so long ago, and rightly so. Since then, the Rosanero have struggled mightily and the results have not been pretty. In the 12 matches since that victory, this has been Palermo’s form:
L-L-L-D-L-L-L-D-D-L-D-D
Ugly would be putting it lightly and explains why the club now find themselves at the bottom of the table, two points behind both Pescara and Siena. Coincidentally or not, and I would lean towards the latter, that is also the last time that star striker Fabrizio Miccoli scored for the Rosanero. Since then a multitude of reasons have kept the influential striker from finding the back of the net (suspension, injury, coaching decisions, form) and Palermo have felt the repercussions.
Miccoli will have to put Palermo on his back if they are to have any chance of climbing out of last place in the standings.
Despite not scoring for close to three months, Miccoli remains the club’s joint-top scorer in the Serie A this season (along with Josip Ilicic) which shows you how much of a struggle scoring has been for the Rosanero. Despite contributions from recent signings like Nelson, Mauro Formica and Diego Fabbrini, the Rosanero need their captain to step up if they are to have any chances of avoiding the drop to the dreaded Serie B.
The last remaining fuoriclasse (top player) that the Rosanero still possess in their squad must return to being the player that dazzled the Renzo Barbera for the past five seasons. While we know what he is capable of, an example being his audacious lob from midfield against Chievo earlier this season, his contribution does not have to be as spectacular to give Palermo a fighting chance of staying in the Serie A.
As captain, Miccoli must return to being the bullish, no-nonsense figure that we all know him to be. Goals would be the perfect way for him to provide aid to the faltering side, but his influence is far more wide reaching than that. The squad have looked docile and porous the past few months, as Palermo have thrown away countless leads, the latest being last Saturday as their match against Chievo ended 1-1 despite Formica’s opening goal. They have been crying out for someone to lead them by example and Miccoli is the only player on the current club with the qualities to drag the club through these trying times. Even if his contributions on the pitch are only needed to provide a catalyst for the club’s fight back, that would be enough at this point. The past few months have shown that Palermo cannot do without Miccoli, and hopefully Miccoli cannot do without Palermo moving forward.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6C2oa7dpYo
And looking forward, some positive news has emerged with regards to a contract extension for the ‘Romario del Salento’. Reports have stated that Miccoli’s agent, Francesco Caliandro, is expected to land in Palermo this week to discuss a contract extension for his client. An important sign for not only the player, but also for the fans as it comes during a time when things have well and truly been the worst the club has seen since returning to the Serie A in 2004.
With Giorgio Perinetti back in as sporting director, it is believed that he is more willing to extend the 33-year-old’s contract than predecessor Pietro Lo Monaco was. While his skills may be on the decline given his age, Palermo can ill afford to lose another star player, especially if they want their fans to remain interested in the club. Regardless of how the season plays out, knowing that Miccoli is in it for the long haul should provide the disillusioned Rosanero fans with a glimmer of light in what has been an increasingly trying campaign.
The club must prepare for another relegation battle this weekend as they will play host to Genoa at the Renzo Barbera on Saturday. The stage is set for Miccoli to return to the starting lineup, which would have happened last week had it not been for a bout of the flu. A win would bring the Rosanero to within three points of Genoa, while a loss would…well it’s better not to think about that right now. The diminuitive striker is ready to make up for lost time and Saturday night is the perfect stage for ‘Il pibe di Nardo’ to once again dazzle his adoring fans.
Follow Adriano Boin on Twitter: @Boin44
