Manchester City concluded their pre-season preparations with a friendly match against their City Football Group sister club, Palermo, at the Stadio Renzo Barbera. The match, which served as the inaugural Anglo-Palermitan Trophy, marked a key point in Palermo's 125th anniversary celebrations.
Pep Guardiola's side, coming off a truncated summer schedule due to their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, used the match to sharpen their fitness ahead of the new Premier League season. City's campaign begins next weekend with an away fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The match provided an opportunity for several new signings and returning players to impress. James Trafford, who returned to the club this summer, made his first start in goal for City. The team also featured a mix of experienced players and younger talent, with a backline including Rico Lewis, John Stones, and new signing Rayan Ait-Nouri. In midfield, Nico O'Reilly and Rayan Cherki were expected to feature, supporting a forward line led by Erling Haaland, who captained the side.
The match was also the home debut for Palermo's new head coach, Filippo Inzaghi. The Italian side, which finished eighth in Serie B last season, was expected to provide a competitive test for the Premier League champions.
Several key City players were unavailable for the fixture. Phil Foden and Rodri were deemed not fit enough to play, while Mateo Kovacic, Kalvin Phillips, and Marcus Bettinelli were all out with injuries. Additionally, players like Jack Grealish, James McAtee, and Stefan Ortega, whose futures at the club are uncertain, did not travel with the squad.
