But Regensburg soon got a goal of there own, and possibly the goal of the game. Brazilian forward Formento picked the ball up around the half way line, dribbled forward before releasing a thunderous strike at Sirgus goal. The result was a 30-35 yard screamer which whistled into the top corner.
But Pastore wasn't finished after the break. After some nice passing between Palermo, Hernandez passed to Nocerino, who in turn fed Pastore. Clearly, 25 yards out, he had one thing on his mind and was determined to produce it. And he did, smashing the ball home from 25 yards out to earn his hat-trick and MOM already.
The 4th goal came for Palermo after a dazzling run down the left flank from FB Federico Ballzaretti. He then slotted in Hernandez on the edge of the box who drilled a low cross across the face of the goal. With poacher like instincts, Michele Paolucci was on hand to convert the tap in, earning the first of his brace in the game.
His 2nd was far more impressive as he gathered the ball from strike partner Hernandez. He looked up and analysed the space infront. He dribbled around 2 defenders before creating a 1-on-1 chance with the keeper. He won the battle of the wits and slotted the ball across the keeper to complete his part in todays game. He was then replaced by Chilian forward Mauricio Pinilla.
The rout was completed when Liverani was drafted into WBL for Ballzaretti. The veteran midfielder showed no sign of a lack of experiance in the position as he took to the wing and smashed in a dangerous cross for his team-mates. Abel Hernandez was first to react and on hand to score a deserved goal.
All in all, Palermo played very well. There sharp, short passes and dangerous crosses caused all sorts of problems for Regensburg. With Arsenal in the next game, they'll be looking to keep up there impressive start to pre-season.
On a transfer front, Lucas will join the Palermo squad on his 18th birthday which is on the 13th of August. He has already stated he is very excited to be working with new manager Craig Todd. He hoped his age would allow him to be more understanding than say a older manager. Palermo have also completed an £8.5million deal in clauses for Khouma Babacar. The 17 year old is a hot prospect in world football and Fiorentina were determined not to let there prospect go. But in the end they were reluctant when Palermo offered as much as they did. Fans were uneased though as they didn't want a player from a rival club. The other transfer completed was a £2.2million deal to take Tomas Hubocan from Zenit to Palermo. The Slovakian had found himself transfer listed at the Russian giants and was keen to move on. With Todd on the market for a ball playing CB, the 24 year old fitted the bill perfectly and will be drafted in beside Ezequiel Munoz and Cesare Bovo.
On the out list, only one transfer worth mentioning. Fabio Liverani has agreed terms with Cesena which will see him move for £1million. Palermo have also agreed to pay £3,400 per week until the the end of the 2010/2011 season when his contract would expire with Palermo. Todd has now stated no further additions will be made and nobody will leave. This came across as a warning to Chelsea who had a £9.5million bid for Pastore rejected.
To end this report though, the goals from Palermo's game against Regensburg. Please, leave a comment or email us at [email protected].
