Aston Villa 1 Fiorentina 0: Bill Howell's big match verdict

Aug 10 2009 by Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

WHETHER a simple dish of carbonara accompanied by a glass of Sangiovese, or spaghetti bolognese washed down with a Peroni, there is nothing quite like an Italian to raise Villa’s spirits.

Two years ago, in the club’s only other home friendly over the last 14 years, it was a Martin Laursen and Gareth Barry-inspired Villa who turned over Inter Milan.

Six days prior to Saturday’s friendly at Villa Park, it was Juventus who were sent tumbling in the Peace Cup.

Barry and Laursen may have gone but perhaps, just possibly, despite another frustrating summer in the transfer market there is a glimmer that Villa’s mainly young guns can compete towards the top end of the Premier League.

It was an experienced head in Emile Heskey who got the only goal, actually with his foot, hours before he received his expected England call-up for Wednesday’s friendly in Holland.

But it was teenager Fabian Delph who stole most of the plaudits, again to be expected as he was the only new face on display.

Delph could easily have been facing Exeter at Elland Road in League One had Martin O’Neill not upped his bid.

The youngster played for an hour-and-a-quarter, at times he faded from view, but at others he looked remarkably at ease.