Alessandro Del Piero makes promising return for Sydney FC against Japan's Sagan Tosu, despite loss
Товарищеский матч между "Саган Тосу" (Япония) и "Сидней" ФК (Австралия)July 25, 2013
Sydney FC's Alessandro Del Piero made a solid return despite losing to Sagan
Tosu in pre-season friendly match. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images
ALESSANDRO Del Piero has made a promising return for Sydney FC despite the Sky Blues going down 2-1 to Japanese side Sagan Tosu.
The Italian world cup winner played 77 minutes in the centre of a three man Sydney attack as the Sky Blues ramped up their preparations for the 2013/14 A-League season.
But despite playing a key role in Sydney FC's 24th minute goal to Rhyan Grant, Del Piero could not inspire a Sky Blues victory.
A Sagan Tosu goal to midfielder Mizunuma in just the first minute of play gave the hosts the early control of the game before 21,000 fans.
But in playing an up tempo game the visitors were able to fight their way back into the contest and Grant found the equaliser with the assist from Del Piero.
Corey Gameiro, Joel Chianese and Brett Emerton all had their chances to put Sydney ahead before Mizunuma scored his second goal in the 41st minute after heading home a cross from Kiyotake.
Brett Emerton on the ball for Sydney FC during the pre-season friendly match
between Sagan Tosu and Sydney FC at best Amenity Stadium.
Sydney FC looked to have the equaliser in the 58th minute when Chianese found the back of the net from the edge of the six-yard box before he was ruled offside.
Wholesale changes stalled the Sky Blues momentum midway through the second half and the home side prevailed.
Newcomers Pedj Bojic, Marc Warren and Gameiro all started for Sydney as did prodigal sons Nick Carle and Matt Jurman.
Nick Carle (R) battles with Yoshiki Takahashi of Sagan Tosu during the
pre-season friendly match between Sagan Tosu and Sydney FC.
Sagan Tosu v Sydney FC
Sagan Tosu - 2012 год
