Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has blasted coach Davide Ballardini.

He said: "I complimented [Coach Davide] Ballardini, but it is too early to say hiring him was the right choice. The results will speak for him.

"I pointed out that even my parish priest would've earned 23 points with this squad at his disposal."

Zamparini also was critical of sports director Walter Sabatini.

"I cannot give him a vote out of 10 for what he has done on the market, just as you don't mark those players who come on at the 89th minute. I admire him, but the results have to speak for him, too."

The media also came in for a Christmas blast from Zamparini, whose ambitions know no bounds.

"With all the column inches Palermo get I'd be lucky to get the local grocery store to sponsor us. I hope that in 2009 we can start building the new stadium and keep Palermo regularly behind the top three in the fight for a Champions League spot.

"The protagonist of the new year will be our 'Tiny Tim' Fabrizio Miccoli. He is becoming a real leader and I hope he can drag this team to great results."