Pompey's forward thinking fictitious to Serie A

ItâÂÂs a similar flight time from Milan to Portsmouth or Palermo, but a world away in terms of football culture.

Carlo AncelottiâÂÂs boys 2-0 down in Sicily with six-minutes remaining would more than likely remain 2-0. If not, home coach Davide Ballardini would be heading for the exit door.

The air would have been sucked out of the game as soon as the second goal had gone in, with all method of 'professional' ploys utilised: players falling over and remaining grounded, tactical substitutions, the ball taking an age to reappear whenever it went out.

There was no witnessing such questionable activities at Fratton Park last night as the home side continued to flood forward with little regard for the basics of defending or even dropping the tempo a notch or two.


Pippo breaks Pompey hearts in injury-time 

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1