By Anna Italia
                                      PALERMO   1    -   0  AS LIVORNO   

                                                   76' Fabrizio Miccoli

Substitutions: 63' Edison Cavani out, Mark Bresciano in       64' Massimo Loviso out, Emanuele Filippini in
                        90' Fabrizio Miccoli out, Mattia Cassani in       78' Erjon Bogdani out, Fausto Rossini in
                                                                                               80' David Balleri out, Edgar Alvarez in

Palermo finally win a match ending their three consecutive defeats in 2008.  Although the first half was a 0 - 0, it ended with a dramatic missed penalty by Livorno striker Tavano. 

Match starts with the entrance of both teams while Palermo fans hold a big banner saying "VINCERE," meaning "TO WIN."

In the 45th minute, Referee Mauro Bergonzi grants a penalty kick to Palermo after Palermo defender Cristian Zaccardo deflects a ball with the hand. Some argue Zaccardo lifted his hand to cover his face. Yet, the referee says it was a handball in the penalty area.  To me, it looks like a handball. I will see the moviola tomorrow in La Domenica Sportiva for their interpretation.

Taking the penalty spot area is Livorno striker Tavano. Ok, guys, here is where the entire RENZO BARBERA STADIUM stopped breathing and prayers were just to illuminate goalkeeper Alberto Fontana.

There you go, its one on one. Fontana versus Tavano. Oh boy, rarely a striker miss a penalty, and guess what. Tavano missed it because ALBERTO FONTANA made a superb save!!!

                                
                                    Fontana stopping Tavano's penalty. (photo La Presse)

Palermo is saved! What a superb performance from Santana just like the ones of Juventus Saint Goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.

In the second half, it was either WIN OR DIE for Palermo and Livorno. Anyone could win the match.

In the 76th minute, finally, the score is unlocked with a goal by striker Fabrizio Miccoli!  It's over guys, Palermo is winning in their home stadium in front of their fans.  Fifteen more minutes and this will be the first win of Palermo in 2008.   The joy explodes not only in the field with all 11 players, but also in the stadium. Fans got their request granted "VINCERE." Thanks to Miccoli Palermo is winning to the joy of Palermo fans.

                                        
                                              Miccoli celebrates his goal (photo credit ANSA)

Miccoli is the second top scorer for Palermo with 6 goals, the first one is Amauri with 8 goals.

Palermo Coach Francesco Guidolin is saved by Miccoli. Referee Mauro Bergonzi whistles the end of the match. Livorno could not hold the 0 - 0 draw and lose this match. 


LINEUPS

Week 21 Italian Serie A Tim 2007 - 2008  Twenty first Round Matchday 21

PALERMO	Serie A  Week 21 Twenty first Round	AS LIVORNO
1	Goals scored	0
1	Yellow card	3
0	Red card	0
8	Saves	3
28	Shots on goal	11
15	Fouls	23
10	Corner Kicks	4
3	Offsides	4
61.8%	ball possession	32.2%

Saturday, February 2, 2008
Palermo  1 -  0 AS Livorno
Renzo Barbera Stadium

Referee:  Mauro Bergonzi (Genoa)
Assistants: Andrea Chiocchi, Luca Ciancaleoni
Fourth Official: Luca Palanca

Palermo (4-5-1): 12 Fontana; 2 Zaccardo, 21 Biava, 43 Barzagli, 42 Balzaretti; 7 Cavani, 14 Guana, 8 Migliaccio, 20 Caserta, 10 Miccoli; 11 Amauri.

Subs: 1 Agliardi, 3 Capuano, 4 Tedesco, 16 Cassani, 17 Jankovic, 23 Bresciano, 30 Simplicio.

Coach: Francesco Guidolin.

Livorno (3-5-2): 1 Amelia; 32 Pavan, 15 Knezevic, 6 Galante; 69 Balleri, 8 Vidigal, 7 Pulzetti, 21 Loviso, 26 Pasquale; 10 Tavano, 81 Bogdani.

Subs: 14 De Lucia, 3 A. Filippini, 4 E. Filippini, 17 Alvarez, 20 Rossini, 22 Tristan, 79 Melara.

Coach: Giancarlo Camolese.