City poised for big depth test in Sicily

Manchester City travel to Sicily to face Palermo in their only publicly broadcasted pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025 26 campaign.

City set for first ever meeting with Palermo in Anglo Palermitan Trophy

Manchester City travel to Renzo Barbera Stadium to play Palermo in a landmark pre-season meeting. The match is branded as the Anglo Palermitan Trophy and marks City’s first ever clash with Palermo in any format. City named a 22 man squad for the trip, including 17 year old Divine Mukasa, while several senior players stay at home for fitness and contractual reasons. City have already played Preston North End in a behind closed doors friendly after their Club World Cup exit, and this game offers a chance to test form and depth on neutral soil.

Injury management and squad depth will dominate the talking points. Key players are sidelined or listed as not fully fit, which could push fringe players and academy prospects into prominent roles. The fixture offers a rare stage to assess midfield options and attacking versatility as City prepare for a packed schedule. Beyond football, the match doubles as a branding exercise for the City Football Group network, showcasing cross border ties and the growing global footprint.

Highlights

This trip in Sicily is about depth and direction as much as it is about a friendly result.