FC Pune City extended their unbeaten start to the preseason with a 2-0 win in the ‘Pune derby’ against I-League team Pune FC, with goals from Spanish striker Iván Bolado and marquee signing David Trezeguet. The victory followed a 1-1 draw against Deccan Rovers and a 3-1 win against ONGC.Despite the fixture being a ‘friendly’, the derby aura was evident from the start as the match began at a frenetic pace. The opening exchanges saw both defences being tested, with FC Pune City’s Italian centre-back pairing of Bruno Cirillo and Daniele Magliochetti looking particularly strong. In attack, Bolado was a constant threat, carrying on his form from the previous match against ONGC. He duly opened the scoring to send his team into the half-time break a goal ahead, his second of the preseason.FC Pune City’s Indian midfield pairing of Lenny Rodrigues and Mehrajuddin Wadoo showed their class in the second half which was just as evenly contested. Both teams pressed to create an opening, but it took a moment of genius to add to the scoreline. Trezeguet stood over a free-kick outside the box and fired a shot under the leaping Pune FC wall to score a classy goal.FC Pune City then saw off their opponents’ attack for the rest of the game to notch up a sweet derby victory. Manager Franco Colomba will be satisfied with the commitment shown by his charges ahead of the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season.
