Football West News
Palermo FC brought some Sicilian sizzle to the Sam Kerr Football Centre on Friday night, entertaining an appreciative crowd which included Socceroos head coach Tony Popovic.
The Italian Serie B side took on A-League Melbourne City in a clash between two City Football Group clubs. And the result went the way of the overseas visitors as a goal in each half brought them a 2-0 win.
Despite the cold and wet weather, a four-figure crowd turned out for the game. And they did not have to wait long for some action as Frenchman Jérémy Le Douaron raced through on goal before finishing calmly on 11 minutes.
Melbourne City’s previous fixture at the Sam Kerr Football Centre was in August 2024, a thrilling 5-4 loss to Perth Glory in the Hahn Australia Cup. And head coach Aurelio Vidmar no doubt had that competition in mind when he changed his full starting XI at half-time, with City facing Glory’s recent conquerors Queensland Lions on Tuesday night.
One of the players he introduced at the break was former West Aussie Roland Ballah, who recently signed his first professional contract with City. Ballah left Perth RedStar in 2023, aged 15, to sign for Melbourne City Academy.
Not that the new faces altered Palermo’s approach. They were soon back on the front foot and doubled the lead when a bout of head tennis ended with Pole Patryk Peda nodding home from close range.
Palermo, coached by former Italy and AC Milan star striker Filippo Inzaghi, are in town for the Calcio Italiano. This game was not part of the main festival, instead a side game between sister clubs under the same ownership for the City Group’s Anglo-Palermitan Trophy.
While they may not be as renowned as Juve or either Milan side, who have also been in Perth, Palermo are the eighth best supported side in Italy in terms of attendance. They drew good numbers on Friday and used the event to launch their new ‘citrus’ strip which fans were eager to get hold of.
Fans in WA can see Palermo play in the third and final Calcio Italiano match against Juventus at HBF Park on Tuesday (6pm).
Tickets are available HERE
