Lausanne Sports vs Palermo preview

Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2010 by ESPN

Celestini keeps captaincy for clash

Veteran Fabio Celestini will captain Lausanne in their final Europa League group game despite announcing his intention to quit the Swiss club this week.

The 36-year-old former Switzerland international, who rejoined his first professional club from Getafe in the summer, wants to cut short a one-year contract which runs until next summer and would have guaranteed an off-field role.

Celestini is yet to give reasons for his decision and Lausanne are anxious to thrash out terms - likely to include a stipulation not to join a rival - before agreeing to his release.

Manager Martin Rueda has attempted to put on a brave face over the affair as he prepares to face Palermo in the last match of an ill-fated Group F campaign.

Celestini, a key part of Rueda's plan to guide the Challenge League side back to the Swiss top division after a nine-year absence, will retain the armband for what will be his farewell appearance.

"He will be our captain and I'm sure he will have a great game - as usual,'' said Rueda at a pre-match press conference.

Celestini began his career at Lausanne before going on to play in France and Spain.

Promotion may be the top priority but Lausanne, who qualified for the Europa League after reaching the Swiss Cup final, will want to restore some pride after a poor showing in the competition.

Rueda's side have collected just one point from their five games so far and were thrashed 5-1 on their last outing by CSKA Moscow.

They will hope their dead rubber against the Italians at the Olympique de la Pontaise Stadium offers an opportunity to register a win.

Palermo, who have four points to their name, are also out of contention for a place in the knockout stages after being held 2-2 at home by Sparta Prague a fortnight ago.

The Sicilians, coached by former Lazio boss Delio Rossi, will however be smarting having hoped to back up their fine domestic form by making progress. The Rosanero are fifth in Serie A after beating Parma 3-1 at the weekend.

Palermo will be without attacking midfielder Javier Pastore after his sending off against Sparta.