Manchester City Set to Face Palermo in CFG Match for Anglo Palermitan Trophy

Manchester City will face sister club Palermo in a pre-season friendly on Saturday 9 August, in what will be the first on-field meeting between the two City Football Group (CFG) clubs.

The fixture, which will be played at Stadio Renzo Barbera in Sicily, marks the creation of a new annual event – the Anglo Palermitan Trophy – designed to deepen operational and cultural ties between CFG teams.

Palermo, a Serie B side acquired by CFG in 2022, have undergone a significant transformation since joining the global group, including access to shared sporting strategies and infrastructure. This match signals an evolution in CFG’s approach to cross-club collaboration, moving beyond internal operations to include competitive and fan-facing experiences.

Manchester City, who recently concluded their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a last-16 defeat to Al Hilal, will use the fixture as a final tune-up before the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season against Wolves. For Palermo, the match offers a high-level test before beginning their campaign to return to Serie A.

CFG Global Football Technical Director Riccardo Bigon described the match as a “historic meeting,” reinforcing the group’s efforts to integrate sporting excellence with shared heritage across continents. The fixture also carries symbolic weight due to Palermo’s British-founded origins, dating back to 1900.

Match Details

• Fixture: Manchester City vs Palermo
• Date: Saturday 9 August 2025
• Time: 8PM UK / 9PM CET
• Venue: Stadio Renzo Barbera, Sicily
• Competition: Anglo Palermitan Trophy

 FAQ

• What is the Anglo Palermitan Trophy?
  A new pre-season event commemorating ties between CFG clubs.
• Is this a competitive match?
  Technically a friendly, but it holds significant symbolic value.
• What’s at stake?
  Final pre-season assessment for City, plus cultural ties for CFG’s brand identity.

Conclusion

CFG’s approach to global football operations takes a fresh step forward with the announcement of this historic pre-season fixture. Fans from both clubs will enjoy a unique and meaningful contest that blends history, preparation, and shared ambition.