Josh Brillante’s stunning start to his Fiorentina career has continued, scoring the winner in their 1-0 friendly win over Univeristario on Sunday (AEST).
The 21-year-old has caught the eye since joining the Viola from Newcastle Jets last month and has only added to his burgeoning reputation with a stunning strike against the South Americans.
After Borja Vallero sent Guiseppe Rossi to the byline, the Italian international managed to cut the ball back to the top of the 18-yard box.
There waiting was Brillante, who surged onto the pass before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the corner of the net
Brillante, who was part of the Socceroos initial 30-man World Cup squad, is going from strength to strength and must be putting a strong case forward for next year’s Asian Cup in Australia.
There was a host of Australians in action overnight, including German-based winger Mathew Leckie, whose Bundesliga 2 season got underway.
Leckie played 72 minutes as his FC Ingolstadt side drew 1-1 away to St Pauli.
James Holland’s Austria Wien also drew, 0-0 against SCR Altach, with the Socceroos midfielder substituted on 54 minutes.
In friendly action, Ryan Williams played a full match in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Rizespor, while Jackson Irvine got 52 minutes for Celtic, who crashed 6-1 at Tottenham.
Defender Bailey Wright was impressive as Preston North End drew 1-1 with EPL new-boys Leicester City, Adam Federici and Ryan Edwards both got game time as Reading lost 3-1 to Swansea City.
Burnley goal-keeper Alex Cisak played the first half of their 1-0 win over Blackpool while Chris Herd was introduced for the last 17 minutes of Aston Villa’s 4-1 defeat to Dutch club FC Groningen.