This is the 943rd most frequent Italian word.
palla
Ball.
Here, 'palla' refers to a physical spherical object, commonly a ball used in sports or games.
La palla è rotonda e serve per giocare.
The ball is round and is used for playing.
In this sentence, 'palla' is used idiomatically, meaning silly or insignificant things.
Non raccontarmi storie, smettila di tirare in ballo palla.
Don't tell me stories; stop bringing up silly excuses.
Here, 'palla' refers to the ball being used in the context of a sports game.