Returning to Serie A at the first attempt with a massive 14 point lead over Serie B runners-up Empoli, Palermo will be expected to give a better account of themselves than during their last outing, when just six wins all season saw them relegated.
New signing Robin Quaison has the potential to spark them into life and become the most exciting youngster in Italy.
That the Rosaneri have secured a talent of the undoubted quality as the Ghanaian-Swede is of huge credit to president Maurizio Zamparini but, more interestingly, evidence of the strength of his friendship with former Cagliari sporting director Nicola Salerno. Despite ignoring requests to join him in Sicily, Salerno is instead set to follow Massimo Cellino to Leeds United.
Along with Queens Park Rangers, fellow Serie A rivals Hellas Verona and most notably Ajax, the English side had also been chasing the talented 20-year-old, however, instead of waiting to take Quaison to Yorkshire it was suggested Zamparini moved for the youngster.
That Palermo then secured his services for a reported €2.2m could look an absolute bargain in 12 months’ time, and I fully expect them to quickly be renegotiating the 3-year deal signed this July.
Staring with AIK since the age of 18, he soon became captain and has long been the subject of admiring glances from ‘bigger’ clubs in more high profile leagues, particularly after leading them to second in the Swedish league behind Malmo in 2013.
“We’ve never had a serious offer,” announced sporting director Bjoern Westroem, before almost admitting they expected their prized possession not to stick around for long.
“We know Robin is a skilled footballer and therefore it’s natural that bigger clubs with better finances are keeping tabs on him.
“He has produced good displays here and for the national team. If the scouts have not noticed him, they have not been doing their jobs properly.”
Performing impressively with the Swedish national team during his four appearances since January 2013, netting twice, it is surprising given his eligibility for Ghana that he is yet to feature competitively, a decision that could well haunt the Europeans in a similar way as Salerno’s decision not to take him to England could.
Of course, many will question whether form in the Swedish league can be transformed to Serie A, but blessed with incredibly quick feet and close control, Quaison gives him a technical ability akin with Gervinho of Roma which had many a defender on the back-foot.
While agent Hasan Cetinkaya rightly pointed to his, albeit limited, international pedigree and fantastic performances in the Europa League as evidence he’ll succeed, it was a stunning display against Manchester United in August 2013 that cemented this belief.
Although only a pre-season friendly, he dominated from behind the central striker against Anderson and Michael Carrick and scored a wonderful solo goal with a range of passing either of the pair did well to display at their peak.
Despite his tender years he is also often seen shrugging off the challenges of many a combative opponent resorting to crude challenges to halt his creative efforts, before threading precision through-balls for his attacking colleagues.
Mature beyond his years alongside the experience of captain Edgar Barreto and an ageing Enzo Maresca, will hopefully provide the Swede enough protection to let his instinctive attacking nature drive the Rosaneri forward next season.
That the club seem willing to utilise his attributes in his favoured central role and provide the environment to develop in a major European league went a long way to securing his signature, as he was hardly an avid follower of Italian football.
“I heard Palermo were interested, but actually had not followed Serie A too much, but know it’s a good league, a tactical league that will develop my tactical ability,” Quaison told Sport Bladet.
“I have got a very good impression. They see me as a central midfielder, and want to invest in me.”
With an eye for goal (scoring eight times in 19 games during his first professional season) do not expect any that arrive to be dull, containing a powerful and accurate strike from distance he doesn’t hold back from testing opposition goalkeepers.
The one fear is that if the uncertainty that often surrounds the Sicilian club and its coaches restricts Quaison and he struggles to display his natural talent, however, his insistence that there will be no nerves when he steps onto Serie A pitches next term indicate his strong character relishing the challenge.
If that is the case, then it can only be to the benefit of Palermo and Italian football as a whole with him bringing a little more entertainment and youthful exuberance to Italy.
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
