Bernardeschi's brace leads Fiorentina to win over Barca

Federico Bernardeschi struck a brace as Fiorentina defeated European champions Barcelona 2-1 in an entertaining International Champions Cup clash in Tuscany.

The 21-year-old Italian was on target twice in the opening 12 minutes as he followed up a firm header with a cool finish after Barca had been carved open down the right.

The Catalans recovered from the slow start and dominated for long spells before pulling one back when Luis Suarez fired Ivan Rakitic's first-time volleyed pass into the corner.

The Uruguayan missed a gilt-edged chance to level when put clean through while Pedro and Jordi Alba both went close.

The second half did not live up to the excitement of the first period and when both sides made several changes there was little the Catalans offered to deny Fiore coach, Paulo Sousa a win in his first match in front of his home fans.

Pre-match: This is the Viola's first match in Florence under new boss Paulo Sousa after the Portuguese replaced Vincenzo Montella in June. Barca are without the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar but do name Luis Suarez in their starting XI.

4' - GOAL! FIORENTINA 1-0 BARCELONA. The hosts spring forward and snatch the lead! Lovely work on the right sees Borja Valero clip an inviting cross into Federico Bernardeschi who leaps to guide a clinical header into the far corner.

5' - BARCELONA CHANCE! Barca almost respond immediately as Ivan Rakitic exchanges a one-two with Gerard Pique on the edge of the box, but his stabbed shot is too close to Ciprian Tatarusanu who saves easily in the end.

12' - GOAL! FIORENTINA 2-0 BARCELONA. Deja vu as the Viola rip Barca open on the right through Joaquin who cuts it back for Bernardeschi to coolly slot into the bottom corner.

17' - GOAL! FIORENTINA 2-1 BARCELONA. Barca are back in it! Rakitic plays a sublime first-time volleyed pass in behind for Suarez who holds off a defender to drill a low effort into the far corner.

19' - BARCELONA CHANCE! It should be 2-2. Sergi Roberto's cross from the right isn't dealt with by the Fiorentina defence, but Pedro can't take advantage as he blazes over at the far post.

27' - BARCELONA CHANCE! Twinkling feet from Pedro as he dances in from the left before seeing his low attempt smothered by Tatarusanu.

39' - WHAT A MISS! Pedro skips in from the left and plays in Suarez who must score - but the ex-Liverpool striker contrives to skew a shot from 10 yards well wide.

57' - BARCELONA CHANCE! Munir sees his near post header tipped behind by Tatarusanu following a great cross from the right by Sergi Roberto.

59' - FIORENTINA CHANCE! A lightning Fiore break catches Barca cold. The cross from the right finds Rossi in acres of space in the area but his first-time volley skews wide.

64' - BARCELONA CHANCE! Tatarusanu makes a fine save from Suarez before Gonzalo makes a goal-line block to deny Pedro what would have surely been an equaliser.

TALKING POINT. Premier League Pedro? The forward enjoyed an impressive first half, cutting in from the left and linking well with Suarez. He could easily have had a goal and an assist and there's no doubt he would improve most Premier League sides. Manchester United appear to be in the box-seat to lure him away from the Nou Camp and there's no doubt he'd be a superb addition to their squad.

Federico Bernardeschi. (Fiorentina). There was talk of the 21-year-old being handed Roberto Baggio's old shirt ahead of the new season and he showed glimpses of his quality with an early two-goal burst that ultimately put paid to Barca's hopes.

FIORENTINA: Tatarusanu 7, Rodríguez 7, Tomovic 7, Badelj 7, Joaquin 7, Bernardeschi 8, Valero 7, Pascual 7, Babacar 7, Roncaglia 7, Ilicic 7. Subs: M.Suarez 6, Rossi 6, Alonso 6, Vecino 6, Rebic 6.

BARCELONA: Ter Stegen 6, Sergi Roberto 7, Pique 6, Vermaelen 6, Jordi Alba 6, Rakitic 7, Sergio Busquets 6, Iniesta 6, Rafinha 6, Suarez 7, Pedro 7. Subs: Munir 6, Sandro 6, Bartra 6, Gumbau 6,Masip 6.