Crystal Palace ended their Como Cup campaign with an encouraging 3-1 victory over Al-Ula as Pierre Sage continued preparing his side for the new Premier League season.
Justin Devenny, Eddie Nketiah and Jaydee Canvot scored in the Crystal Palace Como Cup win in Italy.
Palace made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with their first attack of the game.
Devenny timed his run into the penalty area before finishing neatly at the near post following a flowing move down the right.
Nketiah doubled Palace’s advantage shortly afterwards. Rio Cardines created the opening and the striker converted from close range to continue building his fitness following his injury problems.
Al-Ula responded through Abdulaziz Al-Sulaiheem, who was afforded too much space outside the penalty area before curling his effort beyond Walter Benítez.
Palace still carried a 2-1 advantage into half-time after controlling much of the opening period.
Crystal Palace Como Cup campaign ends positively
Sage made several changes after the interval, with David Ozoh, George King and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi among those introduced.
Matheus França remained dangerous before Canvot eventually restored Palace’s two-goal advantage. The young defender reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the penalty area and poked home the third.
Ismaïla Sarr also received his first minutes since returning from the World Cup as Sage continued gradually reintegrating his international players.
Palace’s official match report confirmed the Eagles finished fifth at the tournament following the 3-1 victory.
The result provides a positive conclusion after a mixed few days in Italy. Palace had previously faced Lens and Famalicão during the unusual opening-stage format.
ReadCrystalPalace’s Como Cup preview outlined how Sage planned to use the competition to assess senior players and academy prospects before the competitive campaign.
Palace will next face Fulham in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Friday as Sage continues shaping his squad ahead of the Premier League opener against Everton.
