Palermo vs Bari preview - Rossi staying at Palermo - Zamparini
Posted Saturday, May 07, 2011 by PA
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has insisted ahead of the Serie A clash at home to Bari that coach Delio Rossi is almost certain to remain in charge next season.
Rossi, who was dismissed in February following a 7-0 home defeat to Udinese, returned to the hotseat last month after the sacking of coach Serse Cosmi.
Since his re-appointment, Palermo have won two from four games and lost just once, a 3-1 defeat at Parma last time out.
"I'm 90% certain that our coach will remain with us," said Zamparini.
"He is like my wife. You can argue but I want her for myself.
"At the end of the season, we will meet and try to find an understanding that was lacking this season.
"If we achieve that, he will not leave."
Last weekend's setback left Rossi's side unable to catch Roma in the race for the sixth and final Europa League qualifying spot.
They are eighth in the standings, nine points behind Roma with three games remaining.
However, the Sicilians still have a chance of playing in Europe next season provided they reach the Coppa Italia final.
Palermo held AC Milan to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their semi-final at the San Siro and host the Rossoneri next week at La Favorita.
In the meantime, Rossi will be hoping his side can show a vast improvement on the display against Parma.
Rossi has warned his players not to underestimate their opponents and believes Bari, already relegated from the top flight, can play with no fear.
"We are going to try to win even if it is not going to be easy to beat a team that has nothing to lose," said Rossi.
Giampiero Ventura's Bari made life difficult for Roma in the last round before losing 3-2.
The Galletti have lost their last three league games and lie at the foot of the standings with 21 points from 35 games.
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