Palermo vs Bologna preview - Ramirez happy with new deal

Posted Saturday, November 05, 2011 by PA

Gaston Ramirez has expressed his delight at signing a contract extension with Bologna ahead of the game at Palermo.

The Uruguay international has seen his salary increased this week and the new deal will tie the 20-year-old winger to the Rossoblu club until June 2016.

"I'm really happy to have signed the new contract," Ramirez said. "I could not be any more grateful to the club as they have granted all my wishes.

"I hope I can repay that trust with great performances and help Bologna defend their Serie A status this season."

Bologna will be hoping to build on last weekend's 3-1 win over Atalanta, which marked their first success at home in eight months.

That result followed a 1-0 win at Chievo and lifted the Rossoblu to 14th place, three points clear of the relegation zone.

Bologna will have to keep up their good work if they are to end Palermo's unbeaten run at La Favorita this season.

The Sicilians have failed to win on the road so far but have managed to remain in the top half of the standings thanks to their perfect home record.

Devis Mangia's men go into this weekend's match on the back of a 1-0 defeat at Udinese but looking for their fifth consecutive win in Palermo.

With striker Mauricio Pinilla sidelined through injury, the hosts are hoping to recover forward Fabrizio Miccoli, who is doubtful with a muscular problem.

Marco Di Vaio, who ended a six-month goalscoring drought last weekend, will partner Robert Acquafresca in Bologna's attack.

The visitors will be without suspended defender Daniele Portanova.