Federico Bernardeschi bagged an early brace as Fiorentina beat Barcelona 2-1 in the International Champions Cup.

Coach Paulo Sousa had his first game at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, facing Treble winners Barcelona. The likes of Leo Messi, Neymar, Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves were left out, but Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta started in Florence. Davide Astori and Gilberto were in the stands ahead of their medicals.

It was the perfect start for the hosts, as Borja Valero floated in a cross for Federico Bernardeschi’s glancing header into the far corner.

Federico Bernardeschi bagged an early brace as Fiorentina beat Barcelona 2-1 in the International Champions Cup.

Coach Paulo Sousa had his first game at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, facing Treble winners Barcelona. The likes of Leo Messi, Neymar, Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves were left out, but Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta started in Florence. Davide Astori and Gilberto were in the stands ahead of their medicals.

It was the perfect start for the hosts, as Borja Valero floated in a cross for Federico Bernardeschi’s glancing header into the far corner.

Italy Under-21 international Bernardeschi missed most of last season with a fractured ankle, but he side-footed home from six yards after splendid work from Joaquin.

Barca did get one back with Suarez at full stretch to poke in a smart volleyed Ivan Rakitic pass over the top.

Pedro should’ve made it 2-2, but ballooned off target and had another effort parried by Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Suarez clattered into Tatarusanu, perhaps with a raised arm, then ballooned well wide when clear on goal.

Giuseppe Rossi came on for the second half and was given a rousing welcome by fans after almost a year out. Pepito’s volley was deflected over for a corner and Tatarusanu got down well to turn a Munir Al Haddadi header round the base of the upright.

Rossi was in an ideal position to score, but the volley was scuffed off the outside of the boot and went wide. Tatarusanu’s desperate save parried from Luis Suarez, then Gonzalo Rodriguez dived in with a decisive goal-line clearance on Pedro.

Manuel Pasqual blasted over and substitute goalkeeper Jordi Masip was alert to smother at Rossi’s feet.

Barcelona held possession for most of the second half, but the Viola held on for the victory.

Fiorentina 2-1 Barcelona

Scorers: Bernardeschi 4, 12 (F), Luis Suarez 16 (B)

Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Roncaglia (Bagadur 74), Pasqual (Rebic 74); Borja Valero, Badelj (Rossi 46), Joaquin (Alonso 64), Bernardeschi, Babacar (Mario Suarez 46), Ilicic (Vecino 63)

Barcelona: Ter Stegen (Masip 77); Sergi Roberto, Pique, Vermaelen, Jordi Alba; Rakitic (Sandro 63), Sergio Busquets, Iniesta (Munir 46); Rafinha (Gambau 77), Luis Suarez (Sandro Ramirez 64), Pedro

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector