Palermo vs Chievo
2016/17 Italian Serie A.
Date: Sunday, 12 December 2016
Kick-Off: 14:00 UK,
Venue: Stadio Renzo Barbera (Palermo).
Palermo have made yet another managerial change, appointing their ninth new coach this year. Roberto De Zerbi lost his job after losing 2-1 at Fiorentina last weekend, but his sacking actually came much later than expected. Given the rate they chop and change, he was actually given quite a bit of time, by the Rosanero’s standards at least. Eugenio Corini is the latest man to take the hot seat, but have they finally got the right man for the job?
He inherits a side who are bottom of the league with just six points to their name. It’s easy to blame their constant changing of managers on their terrible season so far. They have nothing even resembling stability at the club. Given their current situation, the new coach basically needs a miracle to keep them in the top flight.
Usually when a new man takes control at a club, we talk about the new manager bounce and how that can turn a team’s fortunes around. When it comes to Palermo, that effect has probably worn off by this point. It would be surprising if they were even bothering to learn each manager’s name given how long they typically hang around.
De Zerbi was dismissed after an eight game losing streak in Serie A, which has the club in a tailspin. However, they’ll be hoping to restore a little pride when they take on Chievo this weekend. Both of these sides are poor in front of goal, so at least the hosts won’t have to worry about getting a thumping defeat.
The visitors average just 0.71 goals per game on the road, while they’ve failed to find the net in 57% of their away matches in the league this season. Palermo have scored just 0.43 per outing at home, while they’ve also failed to score in 57% at home. The hosts come into this having seen over 2.5 goals in seven of their last eight, but this is the perfect time for that run to come to an end. Chievo recently faced a Cagliari side who had seen more than two scored in 13 straight league games. They won that clash 1-0.
Just a single goal against the worst defence in the league, that basically sums up the visitors. No matter what the situation, they tend to be low scoring. They’ve seen both sides score in just 29% of their away trips this term. Chievo have kept two clean sheets in their last three, so they should shut out Palermo here. The Rosanero convert just 3% of their chances at home, while the away side score from just 5% of their attempts. That has us backing against both teams to score here. BTTS No is priced at 4/5 with bet365.
Palermo vs Chievo: Head-to-head statistics
Palermo have won just one out of their last 20 home matches against teams ranked above them in the table (three draws, 16 losses).
However the Rosanero have lost just one out of their last 10 Serie A home games against Chievo (five wins, four draws).
Chievo’s record in their past 20 away games against teams ranked below them in the table is W11 D4 L5.
The Flying Donkeys have lost in their past three trips to the Stadio Renzo Barbera and were shut out on two occasions.
Palermo have lost eight games in a row – the worst run in the division since Padova (lost 11 consecutively in 1996).
Palermo have conceded at least two goals in seven out of their last eight matches.
The Rosanero have seen over 2.5 goals in seven out of their last eight games
Palermo vs Chievo: Prediction
As noted, Palermo are inching closer towards matching an unwanted precedent. Eight straight defeats will create a major dent in any team’s confidence. Eugenio Corini’s men were pretty solid in their tie with Fiorentina, but have nothing to show for it. They do have a chance to end that bad streak here. Chievo started off strong, but have been in decline ever since.
They scored just one goal against Cagliari – which is not impressive considering the Rossoblu have the worst defense in the league. The Flying Donkeys come into this game having failed to score in their most recent game. And they are not impressive away from home. Palermo have been on a losing streak, but in several of those games, they have scored (largely through Ilija Nestorovski). As such, they may be able to get a point – or more – out of this one.
Palermo vs Chievo: Betting tips
Over 2.5 goals at 27/20 (2.35)
Both teams to score – YES at 19/20 (1.95)
Double chance – Palermo to WIN or DRAW at 8/15 (1.53).
