Italian teams credibility in Europe gets another negative points as one of the representatives in the Europa League this season, Palermo, have to make an early exit from the competition after only managed to pick up a draw against their opponent, FC Thun. One goal from Pablo Gonzales isn’t enough to fly the Sicilian into the next round as the Swiss outfit grabbed an equalized that simply ended Frabrizio Micolli and co’s journey.
Needing a victory or at least a draw with a larger margin than two goals, things are already looking difficult for Palermo on their away trip to Switzerland, however the Sicilian did have their head high for quite a bit after managing to take the lead early in the second half through Gonzales. Unfortunately around 15 minutes later, Thun struck an equalizing goal through Dario Lezcano, which once again puts the Italian on trouble as they must get another goal to open their chance in going through.
Despite giving everything they could in the game, Palermo’s fate seems already sealed in the first leg when they were held into a 2-2 draw in front of their own fans at Renzo Barbera, which supposedly known as a tough ground for many teams. Speaking after the game, the Rossanero’s coach, Stefano Pioli, admitted that their poor performance in the first leg really outdo them in the competition, adding that the fact their opponents are already ahead in their physical preparation simply make things more difficult for his players.
“I was sure we would qualify tonight but unfortunately we made life difficult for ourselves in the first leg and Thun were in better physical shape than us,” Pioli said.
This disappointing could make things really difficult for Italian football as for now they only have two representatives in the Europa League, considering the fact that the performances in the competition is what cost Serie A their fourth spot for Champions League, another bad finish in EL really smells trouble. Surely the hope know relies on two Roman sides, As Roma and Lazio, to give their best in the competition, while at the same time those participating in the Champions League such as Ac Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli or even Udinese must give their all also.
Match Reports
Thun v Palermo 1-1
goals: Lezcano 65 (Thun); Gonzales 49(Palermo)