Haifa, Israel – Since joining Israeli club Maccabi Haifa earlier this year, striker Franz Di Piero has been a great addition to the squad.
He has just played for Guingamp in French Ligue 2 for three years and now has the opportunity to play in Israel’s top flight.
He has played almost exclusively in UEFA Champions League qualifying matches since joining the club in July, and apart from a substitute appearance in the Israeli Super Cup. I decided. In the second round of qualifying, he passed Greek powerhouse Olympiacos, scoring his two goals just four minutes apart.
On Tuesday night, he continued Maccabi Haifa’s dominant run against Serbian Superliga champions Red Star Belgrade. Piero was the starting striker in the game and immediately got down to business.
In the 18th minute, Haifa’s chance led to a scramble in the 6-yard box. The ball landed at Piero’s feet with his back to the goal, and after looking back at the defenders, he fired a shot into the back of the net, giving Haifa a 1–0 lead. Red Star Belgrade scored his two goals in the 27th and 39th minutes to take the lead into halftime.
At home, a dangerous loss had to be avoided, but Frantzdy Pierrot again came to the rescue in the 51st minute. An early cross from the left flank was met by Pierrot, who headed it past the goalkeeper.
Charon Sherry added Maccabi Haifa’s third goal in the 61st minute to give them a clear lead. The Israeli team is one game away from advancing to the group stage of the Champions League, where he is one of the best clubs in the world. The clown was replaced with 20 minutes remaining.
A win or draw in the second leg of the play-offs will see Piero and Maccabi Haifa advance to the UEFA Champions League group stage.
