Goals from Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak saw Newcastle United beat Fiorentina 2-0 to top the Sela Cup table on the matchday one.
Eddie Howe handed first St James’ Park starts to £52m signing Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley and Alex Murphy. Tonali and Miley partnered Elliot Anderson in a three-man midfield, while Murphy played central defence with Sven Botman.
After coming close through Isak and Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almrion broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when he linked up with Isak to fire the ball past goalkeeper Michele Cerofolini.
Isak turned from provider to goalscorer inside the closing 10 minutes when he headed home Kieran Trippier’s corner.
The Magpies sit top of the group with five points (three for a win and a point per goal) ahead of facing Spanish side Villarreal tomorrow (kick-off 4pm). Here’s our Newcastle United player ratings:
1. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United reacts during the Sela Cup match between ACF Fiorentina and Newcastle United at St James' Park on August 05, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
2. Martin Dubravka - 6
Made a simple save in the first half but other than that, didn’t have much to do bar claim a couple of crosses.
3. Kieran Trippier - 7
Got through the game without much fuss. Delivered the corner that led to Isak’s goal late in the second-half.
4. Alex Murphy - 7.5
The 19-year-old slotted into the centre of defence along Botman seamlessly, which is seriously impressive.