Bresh's Brace For Palermo

as seen on au.fourfourtwo.com

Socceroo Mark Bresciano gave Palermo two more reasons to keep him in Sicily after he scored a double in the 2-0 win at Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Socceroo was the hero for Palermo with his two goals coming either side of half-time as the Rosanero claimed just their second away victory of the Serie A season to continue their European challenge.

Barely a fortnight ago, Palermo’s Director of Sport Walter Sabatini admitted on Italian radio Bresciano could be offloaded during the January transfer window.

And although the 28-year-old Australian’s three goals in two games has put him firmely in the shop window, the Sicilian club may re-think the sale.

Bresciano’s opener came against the run of play on 45 minutes after Sampdoria began well. On a Palermo counter-attack, Federico Balzaretti lobbed a ball to the back post where the Australian international did well to nod home from close range.

The Socceroos star doubled Palermo’s advantage not long after the break with another simple finish from close range. Edinson Cavani had done well inside the penalty area to whip a low pass across the box which found Bresciano at the back post and the Australian calmly put the ball in the back of the net.

Bresciano, playing in a more advanced role than usual in the absence of injured forward Fabrizio Miccoli, had positioned himself well on both occasions for the goals despite the strikes both being simple finishes.

In the final half hour of the match, Sampdoria pushed players forward as they desperately searched for a reply but Paolo Sammarco and Gianpaolo Pazzini both couldn’t convert good opportunities for the hosts.

In the end it was a great day for Bresciano and Palermo, who whilst staying put in ninth in the league, maintain the pressure on those above them in the race of a Europa League spot.