Ahead of the Derby della Sicilia, Palermo’s Fabrizio Miccoli has taken a swipe at Catania by downplaying their achievements this season.
Ahead of the Derby della Sicilia, Palermo’s Fabrizio Miccoli has taken a swipe at Catania by downplaying their achievements this season.
Vincenzo Montella’s side have already equalled last season’s points tally and for the past few weeks have occupied a top-half position in the table, at one stage even finding themselves on the verge of European qualification, such has been their consistency.
Whilst Rosanero talisman Miccoli admitted ahead of welcoming them to the Renzo Barbera this weekend that they have done well, he looked to add some perspective to the praise that has accompanied their season.
“I must compliment Catania for they are having a great season,” began the 32-year-old in his Press conference today.
“They have a great Coach, who makes them play well and they are doing some great things. However, for three months they've always talked of the fact they're ahead of us and I don't like it.
“In five years, I've never said Palermo has always finished ahead of them by 15 or 20 points or the fact that we were in Rome last year, not to mention that for the last few years Palermo has been in contention for Europe and they have not.
“For months they have talked because this year they may be ahead of us by three points.”
The striker, who has scored 12 goals this League campaign and assisted a further 12 too, reflected on Palermo’s mindset at this stage of the season and what they need to do to pick up what would be only a second win against Catania since April 2008.
“The mood is not good, we expected things to be a bit quieter. It is necessary that we come out with force on Saturday as we have the chance to earn some big points towards League survival as well as experience the joy of winning the derby.
“We have two days to isolate ourselves from everything and focus for Saturday. It will be a different derby and we will have different moods.
“They will come here relaxed and will play their game, we will play the game of our lives, we must be strong mentally not be nervous. We have to have these attributes to play on Saturday.”