Palermo v City: Our Italian connections
Monday, 28 July 2025 at 6:22 am
Manchester City's highly anticipated pre-season schedule officially kicks off on August 9th with an intriguing fixture against Italian side Palermo. This encounter, set to be broadcast live for CITY+ subscribers, marks the beginning of Pep Guardiola's meticulous preparations for the demanding Premier League season ahead, which commences with a challenging trip to Wolves. The choice of an Italian opponent isn't merely coincidental; it harks back to a rich tapestry of connections between Manchester and the football-mad peninsula, offering a unique blend of tactical discipline and passionate support that will provide an excellent early test for the reigning champions.
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For Guardiola and his coaching staffthis trip to Italy is far more than just a friendly outing. Pre-season is a critical period for fine-tuning the intricate mechanisms of City's renowned system. It’s an opportunity to build crucial match fitness after the summer breakintegrate any potential new signings into the squad's philosophyand re-establish the cohesive understanding that underpins their success. Expect to see a blend of established stars regaining their rhythm alongside promising academy talents vying for a place in the senior setup. These early matches are essential for tactical experimentationallowing Guardiola to assess different formationsplayer partnershipsand set-piece strategies before the competitive fixtures truly begin
Source: yahoo