It was supposed to be a big match, and it was. Whirlwind of emotions and a good point at Barbera for Sampdoria who, after four consecutive victories, extend their positive streak and remain in the playoff zone, however slipping to eighth place, two points ahead of Cittadella, but a small point gained over Reggiana and Pisa who are chasing immediately behind. A match that seems to be going well in the 19th minute when Leoni emerges into the area and catches the opposing defense unprepared with free kick developments, but the blackout is immediate because Palermo turns everything around in a few minutes with a penalty from Brunori and Mancuso’s touch in front of goal . In the second half Darboe grabbed the equalizer with a Eurogoal from distance, then it was a real battle with the Rosanero having the two best opportunities for victory: Stankovic saved from Di Francesco while Di Mariano hit the top corner.
Palermo-Sampdoria 2-2, report cards: Lions cross and delight, Kasami and Darboe do well
Palermo-Sampdoria 2-2, the news
Lively start with turnovers in front, but without scoring opportunities until the 19th minute, then it all happens in just over five minutes. Leoni gives Samp the lead by taking advantage of an uncertainty in Palermo’s defense with an assist from Yepes and free-kick developments. The young defender, however, misses a ball shortly after and Brunori can fly into the area, Ghilardi knocks him down and the referee has no doubts. Penalty kick and equalizer by the Rosanero number nine from the spot. Four minutes later the hosts turned everything around with Mancuso who, after a free kick, put the ball behind Stankovic from two steps away. Reaction from Pirlo’s team, but without huge opportunities: Verre tries from distance without luck in the 33rd minute, then De Luca between 36′ and 43′ finds two comfortable saves from Pigliacelli, first with a header and then with a cross-court shot diagonally.
No changes at the start of the second half, Samp try to push in search of an equalizer. In the 47th minute Diakité’s corner save from a poisonous diagonal from Kasami was providential, in the 60th minute Darboe pulled out a masterpiece goal: the ball made it 2-2 which, from 30 metres, went into the top corner. Pirlo removes De Luca and Barreca and inserts Borini and Giordano, then the scorer of the equalizer is forced out due to a physical problem, Depaoli replacing him. Thrill in the 74th minute when Di Francesco caused panic in the area and was saved in two by Stankovic, the Blucerchiati were also saved in the 77th minute when Di Mariano sent a left-footed shot that went into the top corner. Last changes in the 81st minute: Murru for Leoni and, above all, Pedrola for Verre, the Spaniard returns to the field after about six months but fails to make an impact. Final full of competitive spirit, but without further emotions. Thus it ends 2-2, a good away point for Pirlo’s boys.
Palermo-Sampdoria 2-2, video goals and highlights
Waiting for the official video.
Palermo-Sampdoria 2-2, the scoreboard
Networks: 19′ Leoni, 22′ Brunori (pen.), 26′ Mancuso, 60′ Darboe
Palermo (3-4-1-2): Pigliacelli 6.5; Diakité 5.5, Lucioni 5.5, Ceccaroni 5.5; Di Mariano 7, Stulac 6 (63′ Henderson 6), Segre 6, Lund 5.5; Di Francesco 6.5 (90′ Traorè sv); Brunori 7.5, Mancuso 6.5 (63′ Soleri). All. Mignani.
Sampdoria (3-5-2): Stankovic 6+; Leoni 6+ (81′ Murru 6), Ghilardi 5, Gonzalez 5.5; Stojanovic 5.5, Darboe 7+ (72′ Depaoli 6), Yepes 6, Kasami 6.5, Barreca 6 (65′ Giordano 5.5); De Luca 6 (65′ Borini 6), Verre 6 (81′ Pedrola sv). All. Pirlo.
Referee: Giua of Olbia
Note: Lucioni, Barreca, Di Mariano booked.
