Palermo boss Delio Rossi feels they're stronger than this time last year.

The Rosanero qualified for the Europa League despite a 3-2 defeat to Maribor on Thursday, as they had already won the first leg 3-0.

That performance was dubbed "shameful, embarrassing and arrogant led by an arrogant Coach," according to President Maurizio Zamparini.

"Our objective is to do better than we did last season, albeit knowing it won't be easy," said Rossi of their fifth-place finish. The campaign kicks off welcoming Cagliari to the Stadio Barbera.

"Last term we were almost a surprise, whereas now people are expecting us to impress them."

Edinson Cavani, Simon Kjaer, Fabio Simplicio and Mark Brescia have left, but there are new arrivals like Ezequiel Munoz, Massimo Maccarone and Mauricio Pinilla.

"Potentially Palermo are stronger than last season, then what happens on the pitch will be the judge of that," added the Coach.

"Tomorrow we can do well against Cagliari, but only if we stay humble. Playing every three days is very tough physically, so you need to be strong in the mind to archive the game immediately after the final whistle."