Delio Rossi denies his Lazio past gives him a special rivalry with Roma and assures “Javier Pastore is better than Jeremy Menez.”
The Palermo Coach famously dived into a fountain after winning the Rome derby and comes face to face with the Giallorossi on Sunday evening.
“It's not a derby for me, as I am the Coach of Palermo and my derby is with Catania. People often forget I am no longer on the Lazio bench,” he warned journalists.
Delio Rossi denies his Lazio past gives him a special rivalry with Roma and assures “Javier Pastore is better than Jeremy Menez.”
The Palermo Coach famously dived into a fountain after winning the Rome derby and comes face to face with the Giallorossi on Sunday evening.
“It's not a derby for me, as I am the Coach of Palermo and my derby is with Catania. People often forget I am no longer on the Lazio bench,” he warned journalists.
“This game is fascinating for many reasons, including the fact we are only two points apart. It's normal for Roma to be so high up the standings, but we need to work so that it becomes normal for us too.
“Last season they fought to the end for the Scudetto and in facing them we'll see how far we have advanced.”
The media headlines have been dominated by President Maurizio Zamparini stating the Rosanero forwards are better than Roma's attack force.
“I always agree with my President,” smiled Rossi. “In theory Roma are better than we are, but that's the great thing about football, that many times the predictions are reversed.
“Menez is 23, two years older than Pastore, and for a player that period is very important. They are both talents. Claudio Ranieri prefers Menez, but I would not exchange him for Pastore.
“If we win against Roma then it won't change anything, whether good or bad. If a team wants to reach its objective then that is a long journey that won't be transformed by a single result.”
Fabrizio Miccoli is in the side despite a knock to the ankle, while Fabio Liverani and Mauricio Pinilla are back from their injuries.
Palermo squad: Benussi, Brichetto, Sirigu; Balzaretti, Bovo, Cassani, Garcia, Goian, Glik, Munoz; Bacinovic, Ilicic, Kasami, Liverani, Migliaccio, Nocerino, Pastore, Rigoni; Maccarone, Miccoli, Pinilla