Forest Under 21s played a behind-closed-doors friendly fixture against Italian Serie B outfit Palermo at Manchester City's Academy Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Billy Fewster captained the young Reds in a side which featured recent signing Adnan Kanuric in goal, whilst Julian Larsson and Ateef Konate led the attack.
Oli Hammond, Aaron Donnelly and Dale Taylor missed out due to being away on international duty with Wales and Northern Ireland respectively, giving 16-year-old Jimmy Sinclair a start in midfield.
Forest matched the Italian visitors for large periods of the game and weren't troubled until the half hour mark when a free-kick on the edge of the penalty area was struck wide of Kanuric's post.
Palermo went close again just before half-time, Elia Salvatore rattling the woodwork with a powerful effort as the sides went in level at the break.
Half-time: Nottingham Forest U21s 0-0 Palermo
Konate came closest for The Reds in Manchester as his fiercely struck free-kick from 20 yards was well held by Pigliacelli Mirko in the Palermo net.
With 20 minutes remaining, Palermo substitute and former Italy Under 21 international Vido Luca saw an effort deflect just wide of Kanuric's goal as The Reds stood firm to clear the resulting corner.
On 79 minutes, Palermo scored what would ultimately be the winning goal as substitute and former Roma man Soleri Edoardo was on hand to fire a loose ball into the back of the net from close range.
A productive workout for our Under 21s against strong opposition, a youthful Reds side will now turn their attention to the upcoming Premier League 2 Division 2 clash against Sunderland on Monday 3rd October.
Full-time: Nottingham Forest U21s 0-1 Palermo
Forest: Adnan Kanuric; Sam Collins, Jamie McDonnell, Jack Thompson, Trialist; Jimmy Sinclair, George Hemmings, Billy Fewster (C), Jack Perkins; Ateef Konate, Julian Larsson
Substitutes: Aaron Bott, Pharrell Johnson, Joe Gardner, Alex Gibson-Hammond, Lewis Salmon
Palermo: Pigliacelli Mirko; Buttaro Alessio, Lancini Edoardo, Marconi Ivan, Mateju Ales; Segre Jacapo, Stulac Ieo, Damiani Samuele, Elia Salvtore, Brunori Matteo Luigi (C), Di Mariano Francesco
Substitutes: Grotta Giovanni, Massolo Samuele, Pierozzi Edoardo, Sala Marco, Gomes Claudio, Crivello Roberto, Floriano Roberto, Vido Luca, Soleri Edoardo, Valentine Nicola, Peretti Manuel
Goals: Soleri Edoardo (79')
Dave Rogers, who led today's side says he's pleased with how the players acquitted themelves against Friday's opponents.
"It was a really good challenge and a good opportunity for the boys to showcase their ability and pit themselves against a strong Serie B side in Palermo.
"We had a good mix of players today including 21s and 18s and we're working really hard to create that pathway. We want to give the younger lads an opportunity to progress and I'm delighted with the overall performance.
"We showed good discipline against an experienced side and for our lads of different ages, including a couple of 16-year-olds stepping up, to push an experienced team all the way today is great credit to them.
"We have a couple of players away on international duty but that opens the door for some of the other players to come into the team and showcase their skill set. We were proud of the performance and as long as we continue to learn and improve, it all bodes well for the future."