Cagliari coach Pierpaolo Bisoli is well aware of the challenge awaiting his team when they travel to La Favorita to face Palermo.

Bisoli replaced the departed Massimiliano Allegri earlier this summer and expects tomorrow's battle of the islanders to be a thriller.

"We arrive in Palermo in great form," said Bisoli. "But we know that Palermo are further ahead than us in preparation, having been involved in Europa League qualifying.

"In spite of this, we will give our best in order to return home with a positive result.

"I think it will be an exciting match."

The Sardinians have lost in their last three visits to Palermo, with their last win dating back to November 2006.

Palermo head into the encounter knowing they will be playing Europa League football this season after a 3-2 defeat in their play-off second leg at Maribor on Thursday secured a 5-3 aggregate win.

Ahead of the first game of the campaign, the Sicilians have reinforced their midfield with the arrivals of Josip Ilicic and Armin Bacinovic from Maribor.

"I am extremely happy to have joined Palermo," said Ilicic. "A new adventure begins for me and I hope I don't disappoint the fans and my new club."

Delio Rossi's men will fancy their chances of claiming at least a point tomorrow, having remained unbeaten at the Stadio Renzo Barbera throughout last season.

Former Siena striker Massimo Maccarone, who joined Palermo this summer, will replace injured forward Fabrizio Miccoli in the starting XI and partner Abel Hernandez in attack.