FC Ingolstadt 04 vs Palermo

The deflected cross that led to Drakulic's goal changed the complexion of a match that had been evenly contested until that moment. Palermo had looked the more polished side in possession during the first half, but the fortuitous nature of the opening goal — a cross that spun off a defender straight into the path of an attacker — handed Ingolstadt the lead against the run of second-half play. Inzaghi's side could not recover their rhythm after falling behind.

Ognjen Drakulic (Ingolstadt) — The Serbian striker took his one clear chance with composure, scoring the winner with a precise finish into the far corner. His movement off the shoulder of the last defender created the space to receive the loose ball.

Keanan Bennetts (Ingolstadt) — The left-sided attacker provided the delivery that led to the goal. His willingness to drive at the Palermo defence and get a cross into the box paid dividends.

Jess Joronen (Palermo) — The Finnish goalkeeper could not be faulted for the goal and made several routine saves to keep the scoreline respectable. He had little protection from a defence that looked disjointed in the second half.

Player of the match: Ognjen Drakulic

The match produced only one goal from limited chances, reflecting its nature as an early pre-season friendly where both sides prioritised fitness over risk-taking. Palermo's territorial advantage in the first half did not translate into clear-cut opportunities, a recurring issue Inzaghi will want to address before the Serie B season begins. Ingolstadt's effectiveness was ruthlessly efficient: one meaningful chance, one goal. The 1-0 scoreline flattered neither side — it accurately reflected a contest where defences largely had the upper hand.

For Palermo, this result is a minor setback in their pre-season build-up. The Rosanero finished fourth in Serie B last season (2025/26) with 72 points and were eliminated in the promotion playoff semi-finals by Catanzaro (3-0, 2-0 aggregate). They are aiming to return to Serie A for the first time since relegation in 2017.

This friendly marked the end of Ingolstadt's training camp in Latsch, while Palermo will remain in Val Gardena until 30 July. Inzaghi's side face FC Paradiso (22 July), 1. FC Nürnberg (25 July) and FC Iraklis (29 July) in further friendlies before their competitive opener: the Coppa Italia first round against Lecce on 17 August. The Serie B season is scheduled to start on 21 August, with the fixture list to be confirmed on 22 July.

A forgettable pre-season friendly decided by a single moment of fortune. Palermo showed flashes of quality in possession but lacked the incision to break down a well-organised Ingolstadt side. Inzaghi has three more friendlies to sharpen his attack before the competitive action begins in mid-August. For Ingolstadt, an encouraging result against a team two divisions above them.