The Yank’s Guide To Serie A: Palermo

Nickname(s): The Pink-Blacks (not very macho)

All-Time Ranking: 20th

2007/2008 Finish: 11th

2008/2009 Position (as of 04/07): 8th

Coach: Davide Bellardini

Key Players: Fabio Liverani, Fabio Simplicio, Edison Cavani

History:

Palermo is one of Serie A’s rising squads and has nearly qualified for the Champions League the last few seasons.  In spite of their recent success, they have historically been a weaker squad and they spent much of their existence in Italy‘s lower divisions. In fact, the team has thus far never won a single significant trophy in its 109 year history.

The sale of the club in 2002 though to an owner with deeper pockets has helped Palermo slowly climb the Serie A rankings, and in 2005 ITA National Team star Luca Toni helped the team finish a remarkable sixth overall. This year, Palermo is in 8th place and can still qualify for the UEFA Cup if they can finish strong during the final two months.

American Sports Doppleganger:

Palermo has still never won a major trophy, but they have established themselves as a team on the rise in Serie A. Thus, they remind me of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, who have never won a Super Bowl but finally at least made it to that championship game last season. Only time will tell whether Palermo and the Cards can sustain their success.