History, passionate supporters, one of the most recognisable kits in world football and a certain Italian football legend calling the shots from the touchline.
There’ll be plenty to keep an eye on when Melbourne City faces Palermo FC for the very first time on Friday night.
Our fellow City Football Group club has touched down in Perth for its historic first-ever visit to Australia, with the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy kicking off a huge few days of football for the Rosanero.
So, before City and Palermo go head-to-head at the Sam Kerr Football Centre, let’s get to know our opponents a little better.
More than 125 years of history
Palermo’s story stretches back to the beginning of the 20th century, with the Sicilian club celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2025.
Based at the 36,000-capacity Stadio Renzo Barbera and instantly recognisable thanks to its famous pink and black colours, Palermo has spent more than 30 seasons competing in Italy’s top flight throughout its history.
While a major domestic trophy has so far proved elusive, the Rosanero have come agonisingly close on several occasions, reaching the Coppa Italia Final three times.
Some of Palermo’s most memorable years came during the 2000s and early 2010s, when the Club established itself in Serie A and regularly competed in Europe.
That period saw no shortage of stars pull on the famous pink shirt, with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Paulo Dybala, Javier Pastore, Andrea Barzagli, Luca Toni and Amauri all spending time in Sicily.
More recently, Palermo’s story has been one of rebuilding. Following the Club’s rebirth in 2019, it quickly climbed back through the Italian football pyramid before returning to Serie B in 2022.
Part of the City family
That same year marked the beginning of Palermo’s City Football Group chapter.
CFG acquired a majority stake in the Club in July 2022, with lifelong Palermo supporter Dario Mirri remaining as Club President and Chairman.
Since then, Palermo has continued to build both on and off the pitch, including the opening of its new state-of-the-art training facility, the Palermo CFA, as the Rosanero chase a return to Serie A.
Friday night’s clash will mark the first meeting between Melbourne City and Palermo and the second edition of the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy, following Manchester City’s trip to Sicily for the inaugural fixture last year.
A familiar face on the touchline
Even if you haven’t followed Italian football closely, chances are you’ll recognise the man standing in the Palermo technical area.
Filippo Inzaghi.
One of Italy’s great strikers, Inzaghi enjoyed a decorated playing career with Juventus and AC Milan, winning two UEFA Champions League titles and three Serie A championships.
He also famously lifted the FIFA World Cup with Italy in 2006.
Now 52, Inzaghi has built an extensive coaching career since hanging up the boots and took charge of Palermo in 2025, bringing plenty of experience – and an unmistakable winning pedigree – to the Rosanero dugout.
Who should City fans watch?
If there’s one name to remember before kick-off, it’s Joel Pohjanpalo.
The experienced Finnish international striker is coming off a monster 2025/26 campaign, scoring 25 goals to finish as Serie B’s leading marksman while also being voted Palermo’s Player of the Season.
Pohjanpalo has plenty of top-flight experience too, having previously spent several seasons in Germany – including time with Bayer Leverkusen – before establishing himself in Italian football.
Around him, Palermo boasts plenty of experience.
Captain Mattia Bani anchors the defence, while Tommaso Augello provides Serie A experience down the left. In midfield, Antonio Palumbo, Claudio Gomes and Filippo Ranocchia are among the names capable of pulling the strings, while Norwegian international Dennis Johnsen and French attacker Jérémy Le Douaron provide further options in the final third.
It’s a squad with plenty of Serie A and international experience, and one that will provide a strong test for Aurelio Vidmar’s side.
Sicily meets Western Australia
This trip is about much more than the 90 minutes, too.
For the first time in Palermo’s history, the Club has travelled to Australia, with its visit forming part of Calcio Italiano, a celebration of Italian football and culture in Western Australia.
The tour has been designed to reconnect the Club with the significant Sicilian and Italian communities in WA, particularly around Fremantle, an area with deep historical links to Sicilian migration.
At the centre of those celebrations is Casa Sicilia, Palermo’s temporary home at Gage Roads on the Fremantle waterfront, which has hosted a week of football, food, music and community events.
Palermo legends including Amauri and Fabrizio Miccoli have also made the trip, while supporters have had opportunities to meet Inzaghi and members of the current squad.
And once Friday night’s Anglo-Palermitan Trophy is in the books, another massive occasion awaits.
Palermo will take on Italian giants Juventus at HBF Park on Tuesday night, bringing their historic first Australian tour to a fitting conclusion.
First meeting awaits
Before then, though, it’s our City boys standing in their way.
Friday night’s fixture will provide another important pre-season test for Vidmar’s squad as preparations continue for the 2026/27 campaign, while also offering the rare opportunity for two City Football Group clubs to meet on Australian soil.
With Palermo’s Serie B campaign approaching and City continuing to build towards the new A-League season, both sides will have plenty to take from the contest.
More than 125 years of Rosanero history meets Melbourne City blue for the first time.
We’ll see you in Perth.
Match Details
Anglo-Palermitan Trophy (Friendly)
Palermo FC v Melbourne City
Friday 7 August, 7:00pm (local) // 9:00pm (AEST)
Sam Kerr Football Centre, Perth
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