When British style meets the traditions of a southern city. Palermo has this effect on foreigners passing through. So it’s not surprising to see Pep Guardiola walking up to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Palermo. In Sicilian dialect, this is called the Acchianata, and it is a well-established ritual for the people of Palermo, who go up to receive the blessing of the “Santuzza.” It is a pilgrimage before tonight’s friendly match at the Barbera stadium between Palermo and Manchester City for the Anglo-Palermitan Trophy.

prayer—  This morning, the Manchester staff, led by the Spanish coach and athletic trainer Federico Genovesi, wearing jerseys with the image of Falcone and Borsellino, walked to Monte Pellegrino to visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, a symbol of faith and identity for all of Palermo. Welcomed by the regent Don Natale Fiorentino, the staff members gathered in silent prayer in the Sacred Grotto and received a blessing. A gesture, as recounted on the Facebook page of the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, that united the faith and tradition of a city that will experience an extraordinary evening of soccer tonight.