Melbourne Victory youngster Sebastian Pasquali, 16, steals show against Juventus as MCG

JUVENTUS were meant to be the star attraction but the limelight was stolen by unknown local teen Sebastian Pasquali who starred in Melbourne Victory’s penalty shoot-out win.

Melbourne Victory youngster Sebastian Pasquali celebrates scoring in the penalty shootout against Juventus at the MCG on Saturday night.

JUVENTUS were meant to be the star attraction but the limelight was stolen by unknown local teen Sebastian Pasquali who starred in Melbourne Victory’s penalty shoot-out win.

Pasquali, 16, shone in a 25-minute cameo before having the confidence to step up and take Victory’s decisive fifth penalty, which he scored before a Lawrence Thomas save off Stefano Padovan sealed it.

Victory coach Kevin Muscat was keen to deflect attention from the Victory debutant but was generally pleased with last night’s 4-3 shoot-out win after a 1-1 draw at the MCG.

Muscat was pleased with Victory debutants Mitch Austin, who was a constant menace down the left, and stopper James Donachie who was composed at stopper.

Pasquali, who came on for Oliver Bozanic in the 66th minute, looked sharp, confident on the ball and produced some tricks including a stepover and a backheel during the passage where Jai Ingham equalised.

“He’s a young boy, I don’t think we can get too excited. He came on and showed, he wouldn’t be training with us and involved with the squad if he didn’t have some ability,’’ Muscat said.

“He’s a young man learning his trade and he’s shown some good signs at this point in time.

Melbourne Victory youngster Sebastian Pasquali celebrates scoring in the penalty shootout against Juventus at the MCG on Saturday night.

“It was a big night for the youngster. We asked him to come on and contribute and effect the game and he did so but he wasn’t on his own.

“Josh Hope did a good job on debut, Mitch Austin and James Donachie and Alan (Baro) in their debuts were good.

“It was exciting for the younger players that were out there in the penalty shoot-out, even the goal was an excellent well-worked goal and fitting of maybe taking three points.’’

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri was satisfied with his team’s first pre-season hit-out.

Argentine striker Paulo Dybala looked sharp in the first half before he was withdrawn along with

“It was a good test being our first official game, we played against a good team who was very well organised and we are satisfied,’’ Allegri said.

“The first half our best team played and second half the rest played and did well.’’

Muscat couldn’t be happier with where his team is at ahead of Sunday’s clash with Atletico Madrid, which is followed by their 2016 FFA Cup opener.

“I thought the intensity lifted in the second half, there was some good stuff. To concede the way we did was disappointing but our reaction to put them under pressure was excellent,’’ Muscat said.

“Considering where we’re at in terms of our preparation for October, I thought it was a decent exercise.

“It was a privilege to play and honour to play such a powerhouse. They put on a good show as well.’’