Palermo, August 10th (LaPresse) – After eight years, international football has returned to Palermo, with a historic match between Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and Palermo. The occasion was the first edition of the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy, which saw the Citizens win 3-0. While the result mattered little, the match was a major event, marking the return of high-level football to Palermo, with over 35,000 spectators at the Barbera stadium. The game was not just a football match, but a true family happening, featuring a pre-show and a British-style atmosphere, organized by the Rosanero club.
Manchester City, a star-studded team that has dominated in recent years, took control of the game from the start, but Pippo Inzaghi’s Palermo was undaunted. The heat slowed the pace, and at the 25th minute, Haaland opened the scoring with his first chance. The Rosanero responded with an opportunity from Pohjanpalo, but the first half ended with City in control.
In the second half, Guardiola made numerous substitutions, bringing in big names like Gundogan and Bernardo Silva. After Reijnders doubled the lead with a goal that was impossible for goalkeeper Gomis to save, Inzaghi made seven changes, but Palermo failed to score. In the 37th minute, a quick passing combination allowed Reijnders to score a third goal, sealing the match. Despite the defeat, Palermo fans applauded the return of international football, hoping that this event marks the beginning of a new era for the club.
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