Resurrecting Palermo

Now that is really becoming some team! Looking to be the new contenders in Italy with that array of talent!

Wolf - Yeah mate I though Salah and Lukaku were nice additions! Salah is on £155k per week but retiring at the end of the season. Lukaku is on £175k per week, but I am only planning on having him for 2 seasons max.

ScottT - Yeah I thought we needed experience and we certainly added some real high reputation players to the squad. The Malen deal was unreal, can't believe I got that much money for him! Going to look out for more deals like that in the future!

Lankyman22 - Thanks mate! We still have £23 million but I am spending the maximum limit on wages, so I don't know if I will bring anyone else in this season. The experienced players I signed are on high wages and most of them will be at the club for 2 seasons at the most.

TedBro20 - I think so too mate! I am really happy with the squad, and excited for this season !

Justice - Yeah let's hope they don't cause too much trouble! At least this season we have a couple of draws break between each game, not 7 games in 7 days again....

Griffo - Lol, can you tell I am a Premier League fan? As a Man United supporter, I couldn't say no to Bruno!

Eoin97 - The squad isn't bad aye... and yes the bloody Mafia every time!

FINLAVERTON - I didn't change it mate, must be a bug with the custom database I am using, only had fixtures issues the last two seasons, don't know why and don't know how to fix it

Jack - Let's hope so mate! Regardless, we have come such a long way since season 1 and will continue to improve each season!

We have qualified for the Champions League after finishing 4th place last season (the best finish in the clubs history). But we have been really unlucky with the draw and we are in the 'Group of Death'! We face off against Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and AS Monaco. With the Serie A season due to start at the end of December, it means we can focus all of our attention on competing against these tough opponents. Although we can focus on the Champions League, realistically we are not expecting to do that well. Qualifying for the Champions League this season has been a success in itself and we are just looking forward to the challenge of competing on in the world's best club football competition. We kick off our campaign at home against German super team Bayern Munich.



Our first match was a very respectable draw! Duncan, Susa and Ascacibar made their debut's. Although Bayern had more possession and shots, we held our own and proved that we can compete at this level.


We gained our first victory of the season against newly promoted Perugia. Joensen scored the only goal of the game in the 19th minute. We played very well, and could have won the game by a lot more if we made the most of the chances we created. We had a great cup run last season, and are aiming for a semi-final at least this season.


Strangely Monaco's full starting team were real players. The year is 2028! That means that their average age must have been at least 30. This was an unbelievable game! We went to France and put in one of our best performances in a hostile environment. Goals from Susa, Maric and Joensen (2) helped us to earn 3 points in the group stage, and one of the most impressive wins in the club history. We will always remember this night in Monaco.




After the match against Monaco we received some terrible news. Urso, our first choice goal keeper, is injured and will be out for 4-7 weeks! Right before we play Manchester United! That means that our second choice keeper Plizzari will have to step up. But Urso is irreplaceable, and it will be an extremely tough game for Plizzari to play for us... I am not looking forward to it..

A poor poor performance, especially from Plizzari. He couldn't fill Urso's boots as at least 3 of the goals were his fault. United were ruthless and absolute dominated us the entire game. We have to play Manchester United in our next game too so we will change our approach and see if we can be more competitive in the next match.


What an amazing turn around! Roudout and Susa gave us the 2-0 lead in the first half, before Greenwood brought one back for United just before half time. In the second half we continue to play well, and Duncan scored his first goal for the club after a mix up between the Manchester United defenders. In the 77th minute, Rashford stepped up to take a penalty for United, and Plizzari was the hero, diving sharply to his left to save the penalty! An incredible turn around, Plizzari was the hero, as we continue our good home form. Palermo is absolutely buzzing and I let the player's go and enjoy a night out after that win!



A tough game away in Germany resulted in a poor loss. Again we struggled away from home, and when we don't play well against teams as good as Bayern and United, they make us pay. One game left in the group stage, against AS Monaco at home, and we actually have a chance to progress into the knockout stages!



So with 1 game left in the group stages, we are 2nd in our group! A draw is enough to see us go through, although if we lost and Bayern beat United then we could go through too. I was feeling mixed emotions, because a loss would mean we would fall into the Europa League knockout stage which we would be more competitive in than the Champions League knockout stage. However, we will go out to win the game!

A tough loss to take as we were the better team. Two goals from Daramy for Monaco was enough to see them AS Monaco win the game. A late goal from Brobbey gave us hope, but it was too little, too late.


That loss meant we finished 3rd in our group. Bayern Munch and Manchester United progress to the knockout stages. We held our own in a very tough group and can be proud of our performances. The wins against Monaco and Manchester United will be forever in our memory!





A very good performance against Sassuolo sees us progress into the quarter-final of the Coppa Italia. All of our front three; Joensen, Susa and Duncan scored in this match. We will play against AC Milan in the quarter finals, a chance for revenge is certainly on the cards.


Our first game of the Serie A season was against the Champions of last season Inter Milan. After Favre's resignation it was the German manager Tuchel who took the reigns. Inter Milan added superstar striker Fabio Silva to their already talented squad. This will be a huge test for us and will really give us an opportunity to see where we are at in relation to our direct competitors this season.

Keith Duncan continued his great start to the season and could be the striker we have been dreaming about! Roudout scored a rocket off the crossbar and in to give us a 2-0 lead! Inter Milan kept the pressure on and Fabio Silva scored late in the game to bring one back. But we managed to hold on, and defeat the champions in our first Serie A game this season. We couldn't have dreamed of a better start, so let's hope this set's the tone for the remainder of the season.


A lot has happened over the first half of the season, and the league has only just begun! Our target this year has to be to qualify for the Champions League again, but we have to juggle three competitions, and rotate our squad wisely as we will have a lot of games to play between now and the end of the season. We have started brightly and are really looking forward to see how we can progress this season, especially in the Europa League, which I am quietly confident about. Bring on the Serie A season! Duncan, Susa and Joensen have all had great starts to the season, and with quality players in each position in the squad, we are set up for a successful campaign. We have proved we can do it already by beating Monaco, Manchester United and Inter Milan, there is much more to come from the boys in pink.

An admirable fight in the Champions League. The Europa League presents you with a greater opportunity of silverware at the end of things, although Wolves will be a tricky opponent to beat over two legs.

A fantastic start to the domestic season in both the cup and Serie A, defeating the reigning champions!

Not surprised by such a powerful win over Monaco, their players must be in wheelchairs by 2028! Some gutting results elsewhere in the Champions League despite being able to get revenge over Man United at home. Some more positive results in the league too.

Third is good considering that CL group. Made a good start to the league too!

That last game screwed you over, so sad because you made such a good away-win

A shame about that United result, really seemed to derail you. A good chance in the Europa League at some silverware though.

Brutal exit in the Champions League but understandable against two very big clubs, good luck against Wolves, we know who Justice is going for in that match up

After a strong start to the season with a win over Inter Milan, the Palermo fans have high expectations for this season. Blake Semp has turned Palermo into a side that is now in the position to really push on and challenge for the Serie A title this season. With the addition of club record-signing Keith Duncan, and adding an array of experienced players to the team, Palermo have a squad that can compete with the best in the league.

January is going to be a busy month, beginning with the Supercoppa Final v Inter Milan, followed by 6 Serie A games before they meet AC Milan in the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final. Palermo end the month with a tough home fixture against Napoli. A good start to the season is crucial in Palermo's chances for another good season.

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Inter Milan face off against Palermo in this year's Supercoppa Italia Final. Inter Milan won the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia, therefore Palermo feature in the match for finishing runners-up in the cup. Inter Milan are seeking revenge after Palermo won 2-1 when the two sides last met. Inter Milan started their new big money signing, Fabio Silva joined Inter from Barcelona this summer for a reported £67 million. The Portuguese star has set his eye's on the Serie A golden boot this season, and will be a tough challenge for Serie A defenders this season. Palermo have a new striker of their own and Scottsman, Ketih Duncan has started the season well. These two side are arguably the two best teams at the moment in Italian football and it should be a fantastic match.


Palermo struck first in the 28th minute. Keith Duncan continued his great start, netting the goal for Palermo. Right before half-time Fabio Silva scored to bring Inter back into the match. The two teams entered the changing rooms at half-time with the score's reflecting the game. It was a very even first half. During the second half both teams struggled to create chances, and it was the Portuguese man again, Fabio Silva, who scored the winner for Inter Milan in the 80th minute, crowning Inter Milan, Supercoppa Italia Champions. Palermo fought hard but couldn't bring the trophy back home.



In Palermo's league game against Parma, new signing, Ascacibar was sent off early in the match for a ruthless two-footed tackle. Mohamed Salah was subbed on late in the second half with the games tied at 0-0, Palermo were awarded a penalty in the 95th minute. Salah stepped up with ice in his veins and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner sending the Palermo fans into delirium. The 'Egyptian King' stamped his mark on Palermo and repayed the faith shown by his manager to continue to feature him in games, despite his age.



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Both Palermo and AC Milan have started their domestic season's well. Palermo have the opportunity to avenge what happened last time they played AC Milan. An embarrassing 5-0 defeat is still lingering in the minds of the Palermo players. Milan splashed out in the summer to bring in Troy Parrott. The Irishman leads a dangerous front-line for Milan. Palermo fielded their strongest team, the players featured are beginning to cement themselves in the starting XI with their quality performances. Palermo's trio up top have all begun the season well and will be looking to attack AC Milan right from the start.


In a cagey affair the game ended 0-0 after 120 minutes. The Palermo players approached the penalty shoot-out with confidence after they saw Jota and Parrott square off and argue for everyone to see about who should take their first penalty. Jota stepped up first and missed. Salah scored first for Palermo. Parrott then missed again for Milan. Duncan stepped up and scored. Kuluveski missed AC Milan's third penalty. This gave Bruno Fernandes the opportunity to seal the win and send Palermo in to the Semi-Finals. The ex-United man, walked up to the penalty spot and blasted the ball into the top right corner. The Palermo players all ran to Urso as he saved two of the penalties. A great victory for Palermo as they look like they will feature in the Coppa Italia Final for the second year in a row.


A week later Urso picked up an injury in training.. This is the second injury for Palermo's world-class shot stopper. An issue for Semp as Plizzari isn't as good, and Urso is one of Palermo's most important players.Young Colombian, Bohorquez is an option, but still need's to time to develop before featuring for the first team.

Palermo had a successful January, remaining unbeaten in the league, the only loss of the month was their first match against Inter Milan. Palermo have been utilizing their larger squad, giving game time to a lot of players already. Entella equalized with the last kick of the game to take a point in a tough away game for the boys in pink. Palermo earned a respectable point against Napoli who were top of the league before the match.



Comments:
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ScottT - Yeah mate that's what I think too, I am quietly confident against Wolves..
Jack - Couldn't believe how old that Monaco team was aye!
Justice - Thanks mate!
Wolf - I know man, we really deserved to win because we played well... they were just clinical, they had 4 shots on target and scored 2 goals, can't do much about that
TheLFCFan - Let's hope so mate, I would love to win the Europa League
Griffo - Yeah was tough man, I reckon Justice is still rooting for Palermo ;)

Unlucky to lose against inter but you made amends against their neighbours in the cup! League will be tough but you have made recruitment good enough to give anybody a good spanking!

P.S. I had to edit your post as there was a loose bit of coding (a random /center) that was bugging out the page

Good going! Unlucky against Inter but as Justice said, you certainly made up for that against their city-rivals. Inter have started quite poorly this season!

February brings another tough month of fixtures for Palermo. The Europa League journey begins against Wolverhamption Wanderers. The month begins with a fixture away to Lazio who have proved to be tough opponents for Palermo in the past. Esposito one of the best players in the league. Palermo have the home advanatge in the first leg against Wolves. This game will be followed by league games against Mourinho's Roma, and Zidane's Juventus, then come's a trip to Molineux Stadium to face Wolves in the second leg. First choice goalkeeper Urso is still out injured, but the rest of the squad is fit and raring to go.



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Juventus come to La Favorita currently 4th in the league, Palermo are sitting in 6th. Zinedine Zidane is under pressure from the Juve board as they have said that if he doesn't win the league this season, he will be released from his job. Pol Joensen picked up an injury in the gym during training putting him out for 4-6 weeks. With the Second Leg against Wolves just 2 days later, Semp decided to rotate the Palermo squad. Brobbey started up front, Dier came into the midfield, and the whole back line was changed. A surprise as Juventus is usually an extremely difficult opponent to face but the Palermo boss has faith in his entire squad and believe that the players who have stepped up to play in this match are more than capable of competing.



Both Palermo and Juventus were fairly passive in the first half, lacking the quality to real create any decent chances. At half-time, Semp praised his players and gave them the motivation and beleif to go out in the second half with a more attacking approach. In the 48th minute, Brian Brobbey scored to give Juventus the 1-0 lead. The Dutchman has only featured in one other game this season due to the arrival of Keith Duncan and Romelu Lukaku. Juventus tried to push on late in the game but they couldn't break through and Palermo ran out 1-0 winners in a close game. After the game Brobbey said "I was delighted to score the winner today, and I am willing to wait for my chance, when I get a chance to play, I will score, that is all I can do." Semp was delighted to hear this as he still only see's Brobbey as a squad player although with Joensen's injury, Brobbey could find himself playing more games, potentially playing as a left winger.



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After claiming a 1-0 victory in the first leg thanks to Keith Duncan. Palermo approached this game with confidence. Wolverhampton Wanderer's managed by a man known as 'The Pink Panther' believe they are the better team and have more experience having played in the Europa League for the past couple of seasons. Wolves rely heavily on their key player Hannibal Mejrbi who they signed from Manchester United in 2023. The Pink Panther said, "He will be the best player in this match, and Palermo don't have the ability to stop him. They can try what they want, but he is just a class above, he remind's me of myself in my playing days',. Palermo manager Semp fielded his strongest team. Brobbey started on the left, Duncan up top, and the entire back four that beat Juventus were dropped to the bench and the usual starters step back in. An away goal for Palermo would almost end the tie, so Palermo will set out early to score.



Palermo began the game strong with 5 shots in the first 30 minutes to Wolves 0. In the 31st minute, Argentine midfielder, Acascibar dived into a tackle in the penalty area and gave away a penalty. Wolves have the chance to take the lead with their first shot of the game. Mejbri steps up to take it. He seems to have been watching Pogba as he takes tiny steps up to the ball... he shoots to his left, and Plizzari get's down to make the save! He really has stood up when Palermo needs him most. Urso is missing, but Plizzari is proving he is good enough for the first team. Palermo's Europa League journey is still alive. 39th minute, David Brooks cuts in from the right and shots across goal to the far left, he hit the post and Faccenda was their top follow up and poke the ball into an empty net. 1-0 to Wolves, 1-1 on aggregate. At half-time Wolves lead the game 1-0. Palermo started strong but seemed to lose their focus after the penalty. They are dominating possession with Wolves only holding the ball for 36% of the game. The second half begins and 30 minutes pass without much action at all. Semp decide's to make a change and bring on Maric for Acascibar changing to 4-2-3-1. Patrick Roberts also comes off for Salah. 3 minutes after the tactical change, Salah crosses the ball in to the far post, Brobbey knocks the ball down, and Duncan bangs it in! 1-1 in the match, and Palermo take the lead on aggregate 2-1. An important away goal which means Wolves must now score 2 more goals to progress. Wolves pressed in the second half but Plizzari made two important late saves, and Palermo progress into the next round.



The other results this month saw Palermo lose two away games in the league, first to Lazio and then to Roma. Every other match resulted in a win for the boys in pink. Palermo have the lead against SPAL in the Coppa Italia Semi-Final winning 2-1. The biggest win was the last game of the month, a 4-1 victory over Perugia.




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Justice - Yeah we could have beat Inter too! Thanks for fixing my post mate

ScottT - I know right, Inter are still struggling now!

Beautiful win against Juve, stunning to see that they're not longer in race for the title, well at everything comes an end right?

Nice cross reference of Justice's story there and a very good set of results overall. Marseille will be an interesting challenge but one I believe you will be able to overcome. A good first half (almost) to the season and now it's time to build on it.