Palermo vs Fiorentina preview - Rossi set for Palermo return

Posted Sunday, November 27, 2011 by PA

Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi can expect a frosty reception from Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini when he takes his new side to his former employers.

Rossi was sacked by Palermo in February, but returned to the helm just over a month later following the departure of his successor Serse Cosmi and subsequently led the club to eighth place in Serie A and a place in the Coppa Italia final.

Rossi parted company with Palermo for a second time at the end of the season, but following the dismissal of Stefano Pioli in September, he was offered the chance to return to the club once again.

However, he rejected that opportunity before then replacing Sinisa Mihajlovic at the helm of Fiorentina earlier this month.

Zamparini felt betrayed by Rossi's decision and he said ahead of Sunday's game: "I would have preferred to face Fiorentina without Rossi. I offered him the coaching position after the dismissal of Stefano Pioli but he decided not to return.

"This game is very important for Palermo because Rossi is now in charge of Fiorentina and I hope the fans remember that.

"For me it will be like a derby and I believe Palermo will play a good game."

Despite last weekend's 3-0 defeat at leaders Juventus, Zamparini has reason to be confident as his side, now coached by Devis Mangia, boast a perfect home record this season with five wins out of five.

"We are playing well at home and we have to continue to do so in order to remain in the top six," Palermo midfielder Edgar Barreto said.

Fiorentina have not won on the road this season but travel to Sicily in confident mood.

The Viola held AC Milan to a goalless draw last weekend before beating Tuscan neighbours Empoli 2-1 to secure a place in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia in midweek.

"I'm happy with the result and with the performance," Rossi said after the cup win. "Now we must recover for Sunday's game, which will be a difficult one."

Fiorentina have won just one of their last eight league games and are 14th in the standings, three points behind sixth-placed Palermo.

The Viola will be hoping striker Stevan Jovetic is fit enough to play, but Palermo are still without injured striker Abel Hernandez.