Palermo in Pigliacelli’s hands: aiming for the final and beyond

Last Updated: May 23, 2024

Il Palermo nelle mani di Pigliacelli: obiettivo la finale e poi il futuro

Once again Pigliacelli. Desplanches’ injury rekindles the number 22 rosanero, who tomorrow in Venice, at the Penzo, will defend the goal of Palermo in the most important match of the championship, the one that effectively puts a place in the Serie B playoff final at stake, the last train to continue feeding the promotion dream. The goalkeeper, born in 1993, after two seasons as an immovable starter, in the final part of this tournament, sat on the bench for the last two games of the regular season and also watched the matches of the playoffs played so far by the team coached by Mignani. Desplanches, the U21 goalkeeper, had been performing well, but his recovery for tomorrow’s game is almost impossible. Therefore, the door is reopened for Pigliacelli, an important chance for the former Trapani goalkeeper who will surely want to redeem himself and prove his worth.

Pigliacelli has shown his value for the most part, managing to save Palermo several times with stunning saves that have brought important points to the team. On the other hand, there have been several criticisms, most of which are probably unfair, considering that in this championship the thirty-year-old Roman has not made any major mistakes, except for conceding a few too many goals, but clearly the blame cannot be solely attributed to him. He has made a total of 36 appearances in this Serie B, with nine clean sheets and 51 goals conceded.

Taking a step back, it must be said that Pigliacelli’s contribution since his arrival at Palermo has been fundamental, both in terms of saves and in building the play. Yes, because the ball-playing ability of the Palermo goalkeeper is probably unique in Serie B. This quality has allowed Corini first and then Mignani to study and propose a build-up play that has often facilitated the team in creating dangerous opportunities, not to mention the precision in long passes and openings on the wings. A modern goalkeeper, yet for Pigliacelli, tomorrow’s match could be his last appearance in the Palermo shirt, even though, of course, the goalkeeper – along with the entire club and the fans – hopes that this season will end as late as possible.

Pigliacelli’s future remains a mystery, even though his contract will not expire on June 30 but in 2025, considering the renewal (with adjustment) signed last summer, in which the Rosanero club also reserved the right (better to say the option) to extend it for another season. At the moment, the club seems inclined to focus on Desplanches for next year, but – regardless of how this season ends – Pigliacelli wants to leave a good memory, aware that his future is unlikely to be with the Rosanero colors on. Pigliacelli is trying to win back Palermo in the match where concentration, nerves of steel, and determination are most needed: all qualities that the number 22 rosanero certainly possesses, as he also makes determination one of his best weapons. Pigliacelli is looking for redemption and a comeback, hoping that it is not yet time to say goodbye.