Inzaghi: "In the Coppa Italia against Cremonese, I want a Palermo with personality."

After the crowds and the Champions League atmosphere that reigned supreme at the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy, Palermo's first competitive match has arrived. On Saturday (9:15 PM), the Rosanero will host Cremonese, newly promoted to Serie A, in the round of 32 of the Coppa Italia. "We're happy, the game is starting to get serious. The team has prepared as best as possible, and we hope to put in a great performance," Palermo coach Filippo Inzaghi said on the club's social media channels. "We hope to be up to the task, and then we'll see how it plays out on the pitch. I'm happy with their attitude and desire, and I hope the team will show on the pitch what they show in training." Regarding his official debut on the bench: "I know there are so many expectations for me," Inzaghi continued. "I thank the fans for the other night as well. I feel like I've been coaching Palermo for a long time and have already given them so much joy, yet I haven't achieved anything yet. So the credibility I enjoy in the meantime is a source of great satisfaction because people have sensed this throughout my career. Plus, I'm motivated to give my all to make them proud of us."

Cremonese, who will compete in Serie A, will be an important test ahead of the start of the second division, which will see the Rosanero play Reggiana on August 23rd at the Barbnera: "Cremonese has strengthened, they have an excellent coach (Nicola, ed.), they have all the ingredients to put in a great match, and regardless of the result, it will be important to see a team that fights, attacks, plays, and has personality." As for the team that will take to the field at the Zini stadium: "I will change a few players," Inzaghi announced, "not too many because you can't completely overhaul a lineup. There will definitely be 3-4 new players compared to the game against City because I want to give everyone the chance to show their worth and get as much playing time as possible."

Palermo has lost goalkeeper Gomis again to injury, and while waiting to see what happens in the transfer window, the goal will be defended by new arrival Bardi: "I'm very sorry for Alfred because he's worked so hard and is an extraordinary guy," said the coach. "Unfortunately, now he only has to focus on healing and getting back on track. We're fortunate to have a reliable player, and that's why we signed Bardi. It's clear he's just arrived, he's had little training, but he's a player with a lot of experience, and last year he was among the best goalkeepers in Serie B, so without giving him too much responsibility, he'll play and he's reliable. Then, together with the club, we'll evaluate what to do."

Meanwhile, Roanoke fans have already purchased over 15,000 season tickets, and they'll be sure to show their support even on away matches, starting with Cremona, with over a thousand away tickets sold. "They've already won," Inzaghi concluded, "now it's up to us to make them understand that they were right to trust us blindly, and we hope their trust grows with each match."