GROSSO: "A VERY DIFFICULT GAME"
Grosso, you arrived at Palermo in January 2004 just after Francesco Guidolin took over from Silvano Baldini as coach. What was your first impact with the Sicilian city?
"It was an important transfer for me because things weren't going that well at Perugia and I decided to move to Palermo. A lot of people didn't approve of my transfer, which in the end turned out to be fundamental for my career. I found a coach who was important for me and who gave me a lot; I spent two and a half wonderful years in Sicily."
But did you immediately fall in love with the team and the city?
"I arrived at a team that was already strong for the Serie B. It was hard at times but we triumphed and won the championship. We finished first and there was an incredible party. At that moment I understood where I had arrived."
Grosso is still loved by the Palermo fans despite the move to Inter. Will he be applauded on Sunday evening?
"I don't know, because you never know in football. I know I left behind an excellent memory, just like the city of Palermo, the club and the team have left an indelible memory inside me. I spent some wonderful years in Sicily."
With Palermo you scored one goal, against Roma from a free kick...
"Yes, I know. I remember it very well. It was an important away match for us and loads of fans followed us. It was very exciting for me."
Would you avoid celebrating if you score on Sunday?
"For the time being we are focused on a very important and very hard match. We know we will face a strong team, but we want to continue to do well. We will see what happens."
Palermo coach Francesco Guidolin knows you very well and knows how to stop you. Could this create a few problems, or are you and Mancini already preparing the countermoves?
"We're preparing for the game as a team, like we always do and like we are used to doing. We know we face an excellent opponent who come from a heavy defeat in the (UEFA) Cup, but a large part of the team rested because there were several players on the pitch in Turkey who probably won't play against us on Sunday. We know it will be a very hard game and we are making our best possible preparations to remain on top of the table."
Does the Palermo crowd get behind its team?
"It's a crowd that helps its team a lot. They make themselves heard, but we are well aware of this. It will be an extra weapon for them, but we will try and make sure we're ready."
How is Francesco Guidolin's relationship with the city of Palermo now? Are Palermo capable of continuing their good start to the championship?
"When I was there with Guidolin, he won great approval. Guidolin is highly appreciated and rightly so because he has great ability and is a good coach. The club has moved very well on the transfer market and built a great team. They might be exceeding the expectations but I know most of the squad and the motivations they have. They are doing really well and I'm pleased for them."
Is it true that you always ask for Palermo's results after your matches with Inter?
"I inquire and I'm pleased to. More than team-mates, I left friends in Palermo, but they will be opponents on Sunday and I have to look after my own interests. We will try to win to remain on top of the table."
It looked like he just won a million dollars.:boogy:
