Palermo to make historic pre-season trip to Australia in 2026
Palermo will travel to Australia for the first time in their history as part of their 2026 pre-season preparations, the club has confirmed. The Serie B side will participate in the 'Calcio Italiano' event in Perth in August 2026, where they are scheduled to play a prestigious friendly against Juventus at the Optus Stadium on Tuesday, 11 August.
The announcement, made via an official club statement, frames the trip as a milestone in the Rosanero's 125-year history. The event will also feature other Italian giants, with friendly matches between AC Milan and Inter Milan, and between Juventus and Inter Milan, creating a festival of Italian football in Western Australia. Further details regarding kick-off times and ticket sales are to be announced at a later date.
This initiative, branded 'Palermo goes to Australia', is described by the club as a natural evolution of its international strategy. In recent years, Palermo has sought to increase its global profile, including launching its 2024-25 season kits in New York and Manchester and playing high-profile friendlies against English sides Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and Manchester City.
Palermo's chief executive officer, Giovanni Gardini, stated the tour represents a significant step in the club's internationalisation. "It testifies to the attractiveness of our Club, which is no coincidence inserted into an international context alongside realities like Inter, Juventus and Milan," Gardini said. He also emphasised the opportunity to connect with the global Sicilian diaspora, noting Palermo's widespread fanbase.
The club's position within the City Football Group network is cited as a key enabler for organising an event of this scale, allowing Palermo to accelerate growth while maintaining its distinct identity. The tour aims to strengthen ties with overseas supporter communities and capitalise on the club's international appeal.
For the host region, Western Australia continues to establish itself as a destination for major international football events. The area has recently hosted matches related to FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification and will be a venue for the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2026. The 'Calcio Italiano' festival is expected to draw thousands of fans from across the continent.
While the primary focus is on the Juventus friendly, the club has hinted at additional events and initiatives to be unveiled during the Australian campaign. The move represents an ambitious commercial and branding exercise for Palermo as they look to build their reputation beyond Italian shores, leveraging their historic name and modern group backing to engage a global audience.
