PAOK wins Memorial Pajetta: Sprint in Milan ahead of Greek Super Cup

PAOK are having their final preparation period in Milan after winning the Memorial Pajetta pre-season tournament. The Greek club have not returned home immediately, opting instead to stay in Italy to train and play one more friendly against Armani Milano before entering the official competition slate. According to information from PAOK, the entire team was given a rest day on 7 September following the Memorial Pajetta triumph. Coach Andrea Trincieri wanted his players to recover physically after a demanding series of matches. On 8 September, the team returned to training at the Unipol Forum – the home arena of none other than Armani Milano. This is seen as a direct preparation step for the friendly against the Italian side on the evening of 12 September. The highlight of the recent tournament was the performance of Tsenti Osman, who was named MVP. The player left a strong imprint on PAOK’s title-winning run. The club also released a fun video from the awards ceremony, where teammates teased Osman. This detail partly reflects a united and relaxed atmosphere within the squad – an important factor during the pre-season. After the friendly with Armani Milano, PAOK will fly back to Greece for the Paul Giannakopoulos Memorial tournament. According to the schedule, Trincieri’s side will face Partizan in their opening match. If they advance, they could meet Panathinaikos or Burgk. These are quality opponents that will help PAOK test their strength ahead of the Greek Super Cup, scheduled for 26 and 27 September on the island of Rhodes. Training at the opponent’s home arena brings logistical advantages and helps players adapt to the competitive environment. Although it is only a friendly, this remains an opportunity for Trincieri to experiment with lineups, refine tactics, and assess the form of each player before the official competitions. The tight schedule from Italy to Greece poses a physical challenge for PAOK. The coaching staff must manage rotation wisely to avoid injuries. However, continuous matches against strong opponents are also the best way for the team to find stability and build momentum ahead of the new season. With the Memorial Pajetta title and Tsenti Osman shining, PAOK have made a positive start. Greek fans expect the team to maintain that form in the domestic Super Cup – the first trophy of the season. All eyes will be on Rhodes at the end of September, where PAOK are determined to assert their status.