Alessandro Diamanti worth his weight in Guangzhou goals
Italy international proves potential in come-from-behind effort for hosts against Melbourne
Alessandro Diamanti dispelled any doubts he could replace the departed Dario Conca at Tianhe Stadium on Wednesday night as Guangzhou Evergrande kicked off their AFC Champions League title defence with a 4-2 win over Melbourne Victory.
Diamanti proved his worth in an inspired second-half performance when he fired in two goals in Guangzhou's spectacular come-from-behind victory.
The 30-year-old current Italy international, who was signed from Serie A side Bologna during the close season, proved to be 7 million euros (HK$74.6 million) of money well spent as he led Guangzhou's successful fightback against a spirited Melbourne side.
Our opponents are in the middle of their league season and in good shape. We were behind their performance in the first half
He scored in the 65th and 85th minutes as well as being instrumental in the build-up to Huang Bowen's goal, which halved Melbourne's lead, and he left the field to a tumultuous reception when he was substituted late in the game by coach Marcello Lippi.
"Tonight was a difficult game," said the Italian World Cup-winning coach.
"My team were not 100 per cent prepared. Last season finished late, so we had an off-season for a month and we started back late. Our players haven't reached their best form to face a challenge at the level of the AFC Champions League.
"Our opponents are in the middle of their league season and in good shape. We were behind their performance in the first half and they deserved to lead 2-0.
