Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini confirmed his faith in Coach Davide Ballardini and slammed Inter’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic for “a dive.”
Ibra scored both goals in last night’s 2-0 result, the second from a free kick that he earned by clattering into Moris Carrozzieri.
“It’s a shame that he went for a dive there, as a player of Ibrahimovic’s quality and standing really does not need to dive in order to get goals,” said the patron.
Many feared for Ballardini’s job after Zamparini threatened to freeze his team’s wages if they did not improve results.
“I am not angry, as I saw a good Palermo performance. We knew in order to compete with a vastly superior side we would have to play a perfect game.
“Even then, things went beyond the boundaries of normality with Ibrahimovic’s moments of magic.”
Zamparini has always been a fiery character and it was surprising to note he was walking around outside the stadium during the first half, when the Rosanero had the upper hand.
“I couldn’t take it anymore, the tension was too much. I managed to watch the entire second half, as after Inter took the lead the game was effectively over.
“It is impossible to fight back against Inter with the physical strength and technique they possess.”
This week there were reports that Zamparini had offered to take Adriano off the Nerazzurri’s hands on loan so that he could rediscover his form.
“That was a media fabrication. He earns £3.8m per season and to play with us Inter would have to pay £3m of it.
“We are missing a centre-forward and will look in that area in January, although we will also need to see how Igor Budan performs, as at the moment he is only 50 per cent fit.”
The Croatian hitman underwent surgery after Euro 2008 and is only now working his way back into the side.
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