Lazio-Palermo: Unpredictable Clubs Serve Up Interesting Battle

Just three games into the new season and Palermo have already undergone a coaching change as Maurizio Zamparini's mission to outdo himself saw Stefano Pioli fired before the campaign even began. However a disastrous exit from the Europa League combined with a poor relationship with the leaders among the squad meant that the President's decision was an uncharacteristically good one. The move to promote youth team coach Devis Mangia in his place seems, on the evidence so far, to have been an inspired decision.

Brought in at the start of the summer by new Sporting Director Sean Sogliano - who oversaw his stellar work with the Primavera at Varese last term - the 37 year old is the second youngest coach in Italy's top flight behind only Catania's Vincenzo Montella. He immediately ditched the 4-3-3 his predecessor had unsuccessfully spent all of pre-season trying to implement, deploying the side in a 4-4-2 very reminiscent of Arrigo Sacchi's Milan.

Following an incredible win over Inter and a loss to Atalanta, Palermo laboured to a 3-2 midweek victory over Cagliari, almost throwing away a three goal lead, and head into this weekend's encounter with Lazio in very inconsistent form. With the new coach and the recent history of the Rosanero that is no surprise, much like the stereotypically eventful week Lazio, their opponents on Sunday, have endured.

With a win, a thrilling draw with Milan and a loss to open the campaign, it appeared the Biancocelesti had continued the good form which almost saw them secure Champions League football last season. Yet earlier this week coach Edy Reja was seemingly close to walking away from the club after what he perceived as unduly harsh criticism from supporters during the loss to Genoa. Talks with President Claudio Lotito and the playing staff look to have prevented any rash decisions, but the whole situation is at best unsettling for a club who, much like Palermo, are more than capable of imploding at any moment.

One key man for Lazio so far this season is undoubtedly German international striker Miroslav Klose, signed on a free transfer in the summer after his contract with Bayern Munich expired. With two goals and an assist already to his name, the 33 year old has made a good start to life in Italy and is showing that his poor return of four goals over the last two Bundesliga seasons was not a sign of a drop off in ability.

The task of stopping Klose continuing his bright start this weekend will fall to a man who's transfer was equally surprising; former Catania captain Matias Silvestre. The highest scoring defender in Serie A last term was linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe and his capture was most certainly a coup for Palermo. The Argentinian is a huge upgrade on the frankly woeful Cesare Bovo and provides Mangia with a genuinely talented central defender around who he can build a solid backline.

Already his presence has been of huge importance, winning six tackles in those first three games as well as an impressive 75% of the aerial duels he has contended. The still frantic nature of Palermo's defending is highlighted by the fact Silvestre has been called upon to make no fewer than 26 clearances already but, when the situation allows, he has displayed good composure, completing over 73% of passes and losing the ball just twice. He gave away a penalty in the win over Inter but has begun to improve as he grows accustomed to his new surroundings.

Klose appears to need no such adjustment period, perhaps testament to both his much earlier arrival and - until recently at least - a much more settled environment in which to play. While he has turned the ball over five times in his three appearances he has been clinical in front of goal, taking just six shots thus far and getting all but one on target.

With the German being just one centimetre shorter than his opponent at 1.84m (6') their battle looks set to be a fascinating duel in a game that should be highly enjoyable viewing. Who comes out on top may not ultimately decide the result but will undoubtedly be a key factor as they go head-to-head in Rome on Sunday.