Palermo, Binda: “Vasic will be the surprise of Serie B, while there is competition for Serie A.”

Last Updated: July 25, 2023

#Palermo
“Palermo, you are in good hands with City Group. The future is full of satisfaction,” said Nicola Binda, an expert on Serie B and a well-known journalist for Gazzetta dello Sport. In an exclusive interview with Gds.it, Binda discussed the past season and the achieved result: “I think the first year was positive, it was the first year under new ownership. Corini arrived late and the team was adjusted on the last day of the transfer market. Considering that it was the first year and we came within a step of the playoffs, lost in the 94th minute of the last match, I’d say it’s a good result. I understand that Palermo is an ambitious city, but I believe that having such a strong ownership behind them should reassure the fans. Solid foundations have been laid for the next season.” Solid foundations and investments are made to achieve great satisfaction. Already 5 high-profile acquisitions have been made and the transfer market is still long: “It is an important sign, it means that the club wants to grow, and if last year they just missed the playoffs, this year it should be the minimum objective,” admitted Nicola Binda. He also warned Palermo: “The level of the team always needs to be compared to the opponents. It will determine if their ambitions are legitimate. Good teams are emerging, such as Parma, Como, Sampdoria, Cremonese, and Spezia. Regarding Sampdoria, I would say they are technically behind. I am curious about Pirlo, but coaching is a different career, we will see. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of rivals. However, Palermo has already positioned itself at the forefront. After the market is closed, an overall evaluation will be made, as a couple of pieces are still missing, such as a left-back. Ultimately, it will be on the field to determine if the acquisitions were right.” The Sicilian club always follows the green line focusing on young talent, as demonstrated by the acquisition of Vasic and others: “It can be a surprise, Palermo works a lot for the future. Young players are needed to provide an important asset. It can bring financial satisfaction in the future. He performed very well in Padua. He and Desplanches are players of the future. From this perspective, Palermo can sleep ‘between four pillows’ because having a strong ownership that guarantees an important future is a scenario that few can boast about.” From the Rosanero club to the chaos surrounding readmissions and promotions to Serie B. As a true professional, the renowned journalist expressed his opinion: “The situation for Reggina seems compromised to me, while for Lecco, everything is still open. The case is thorny, and I can understand the reasons of the blue and white team. Unfortunately, we are facing another hot summer, full of appeals and legal situations that cast doubts and take away the light that Serie B deserves. Many things need to be reconsidered from a regulatory point of view.” He then vehemently reiterated: “I don’t understand why if sports have autonomy, obtained thanks to the state’s laws, they should depend on ordinary courts like the Administrative Courts and the State Council to have their certainties. Sports, football, need their own laws but shouldn’t depend on external organizations. Also, I don’t think it’s fair for stadium issues to be binding for participating in a championship. Clubs have the right to play in their own stadiums, knowing that for public order reasons, this will not always be possible: For example, if Palermo goes to play in Lecco and there are 5,000 Palermo fans, it is obvious that the match will be moved elsewhere. Against Cittadella or other smaller places, I don’t understand why Lecco cannot play at home. Those without a compliant stadium can only play their matches at home if institutions allow it. I think this rule about stadiums needs to be reviewed, this strictness about stadiums should be reconsidered because it is not compatible with the current situation of Italian municipalities.” Football is his passion, but not only that. For Binda, this sport is a metaphor for life. Every weekend, he is always in his place. But often his heart chooses Palermo, his destination is Renzo Barbera. He explained the reason: “I follow the most important matches each day. Definitely, the away game in Palermo is prestigious because you can feel the passion. It’s not like going to watch a match in a stadium in the North, where there is a lot of coldness. At Barbera, it is a celebration, and besides, you have the opportunity to visit a wonderful city. Palermo is one of those places that always deserve to be visited, and I always take the opportunity to visit it when I watch the matches because those occasions to discover such wonders are rare.”