AUSSIES ABROAD: Mark Bresciano pushed his claims for a regular Lazio starting berth with a goal and an assist in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Adrian Madaschi's Portogruaro in the Coppa Italia.
Bresciano, who has only made one start and four subs appearances since joining Lazio from Palermo, was given a run in the first-team as manager Edy Reja tried out his options and the Australian showed his quality.
After Alvaro Gonzales had headed Lazio ahead on eight minutes, Bresciano flicked in a left-foot cross which Libor Kozak converted from close range to make it 2-0 on 36 minutes.
On 54 minutes, Bresciano made it 3-0 with a low left-foot finish after running onto Tommaso Rocchi's pass inside the box.
Bresciano was replaced on 70 minutes, while Madaschi put in a full shift for the beaten Portogruaro.
Encouragingly, Reja said after the match he was impressed with several of those fringe players given an opportunity in the first-team in the game.
"We won against a good opponent, but I wanted to see how the fringe players performed, considering they have not been given a lot of space," he told Sport.it. "From this, I have obtained some good responses."
Elsewhere in the Coppa Italia, young Aussie midfielder Adrian Ucchino was a 65th minute substitute as second tier side Frosinone went down 4-2 to Reggina after extra-time.
Elsewhere overnight in a busy evening of domestic club football around Europe, Brett Holman played a full game as AZ Alkmaar lost 2-1 to De Graafschap in the Dutch Eredivisie. James Holland was not involved.
Elsewhere, Adam Sarota got another run as a 45th minute substitute in FC Utrecht's 2-0 win over Excelsior. There was no Tommy Oar or Michael Zullo.
In Russia's Premier League, Luke Wilkshire played a full game as Dinamo Moscow drew 0-0 with CSKA Moscow.
In Germany's DFB Pokal, Mitch Langerak sat on the bench as Borussia Dortmund were knocked out by third tier OFC Kickers 1901 on penalties after a goalless draw.
Elsewhere, Dario Vidosic was not in the FC Nurnberg matchday squad as they won 3-0 at SV 07 Elversberg.
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