Ballarat soccer star Stefan Nigro relished the chance to play on Australia’s biggest domestic stage over the weekend after being picked in Melbourne Victory’s starting lineup to take on Italian heavyweight Juventus.
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The 19-year-old midfielder played the first half of the match at the MCG before being subbed out. Melbourne Victory went on to win the contest 4-3 in a penalty shootout after finishing 1-1 at the end of extra time.
He will be hoping his efforts were enough to help him secure a spot in the side for their second International Champions Cup match against Spanish giant Athletico Madrid, to be held in Geelong on Sunday.
A strong showing in the high profile matches will help to cement the youngster’s spot ahead of the season opener against Brisbane.
The experience caps off what has been a remarkable year for the former Red Devil, which included his first senior call-up to the squad in January after impressing selectors in the youth side.
Nigro was named man of the match for the clash against Brisbane Roar in January, and has since been given his first senior contract.