
The striker looks ahead to the friendly against Guardiola`s side: “We`re working hard with Inzaghi, and there`s a desire for revenge within us.”
The Stadio Barbera last recorded a sell-out crowd for the Serie C playoff final. Matteo Brunori was there on that memorable evening in 2022, when his goal opened the doors to Serie B, and he will be there again this Saturday, facing another packed stadium – tickets for the friendly match against Manchester City have been sold out for weeks. This continuity, with the captain`s armband on his arm, almost symbolizes the completion of a cycle. “Thinking back to that day still gives me chills,” the striker admits. “More than the closing of a circle, I hope it`s the beginning of what we want to achieve this season. We know we need to bring back the enthusiasm that was missing last year, partly due to our own fault. We must do this with the new ideas and correct concepts that Inzaghi has introduced.”

Interviewer: The poster for this friendly, pitting Palermo against the flagship team of the same ownership group, highlighted the faces of Haaland and Pohjanpalo. However, which Manchester City player do you feel you resemble?
“It`s a great privilege for us to play a match of this caliber. Well, it would be a bit unfair to make certain comparisons, but I`ve always admired Bernardo Silva.”
Interviewer: Is that why, in recent months, you`ve moved away from the penalty area to operate as a playmaker or attacking midfielder?
“I also enjoy dropping deeper and linking up play with my teammates; it`s a role where I feel comfortable. I`ve always played as a pure striker, but in modern football, it`s essential to adapt. Furthermore, I have an excellent relationship and an immediate understanding with Pohjanpalo, which we try to refine every day.”
Interviewer: What has changed between Dionisi and Inzaghi?
“They are two coaches with different philosophies. Inzaghi immediately introduced a clear idea where everyone is important and no one is indispensable. Therefore, we must first and foremost run a lot and sacrifice for each other. Dionisi had different principles; it`s not for me to judge whether they were right or wrong.”

Interviewer: You`ve only played with Inzaghi for the last six months, scoring 9 goals. Besides a renewed Palermo, a different Brunori also seems to be emerging, given that last summer you seemed poised to leave.
“In football, things can change quickly. I don`t want to revisit certain discussions; that`s in the past now. I`m happy to be here, I feel good, but most importantly, I see a happy team, and that makes me proud. As for goals, like every year, I don`t set limits; we`ll see what happens.”
Interviewer: As a striker, what`s it like to have Inzaghi on the bench?
“You know he has made football history, so every suggestion comes across differently. Advice? For him, until the ball is out of play, it`s always good, and you have to be ready.”
Interviewer: So, what kind of Palermo will we see: offensive, rock-solid, clinical?
“A Palermo that never gives up, because we are doing intense physical work to have energy, stamina, and to last for the full 90 minutes. We need to be stronger than others; in the non-possession phase, this becomes fundamental.”
Interviewer: You are seen as the team to beat, but Inzaghi said you are not a battleship. What`s your take?
“I think that in recent years we have always been labeled as favorites, we`ve had strong teams, but something has always been missing. In this past month, Inzaghi has shown us what through daily work. So, yes, we are strong, we know that, but it`s not enough, because in Serie B you have to run more than others, and I believe that if you combine these two things, you get excellent results.”
Interviewer: Who do you fear most in the race for Serie A?
“Ourselves. We cannot and must not think about others, but only about what is right for us.”
Interviewer: After all, with the arrivals of Augello, Gyasi, Palumbo, and Bani, you`ve strengthened quite a bit.
“They immediately adapted to the new reality with humility and willingness. They are good lads who want to work. I believe the club, together with the coach, chose the men before the players, because we primarily need such individuals. Then they also have important qualities, otherwise they wouldn`t have spent so many years in Serie A.”
Interviewer: Only one objective is expected from Palermo. Is there an awareness of bearing this responsibility?
“The whole team is eager to take on this responsibility. We also have a strong desire for revenge for what we couldn`t achieve in recent years. It will require a journey where mentality must make the difference, and with Inzaghi, we are working a lot on this aspect.”