Good start for Sven

Last updated : 23 July 2007 By Ben Collins
The Blues rounded off their trip to Sweden with a 4-0 victory over Carlstad United on Saturday, making it 3 wins in 8 days since the former England coach took charge.

City came from 1-0 down against Doncaster last weekend to win 3-1, with Corradi and Micah Richards hitting wonder goals in the second half and Emile Mpenza adding a third.

New signing Rolando Bianchi then made his first City appearance against Örgyte IS in midweek and needed little time to impress. The Italian set City on course for a 4-1 win, with Corradi, Georgios Samaras and youngster Shaleum Logan also on the scoresheet.

Sven's honeymoon period then continued against Carlstad with another convincing victory. Bianchi claimed a double while Corradi was again on target, before Marc Laird wrapped things up.

It may have been a disappointing finish last season but the City squad appears to have been revived by the arrival of Sven, none more so than Bernardo Corradi.

The Italian scored just 3 goals in 31 games last season and just the other week my mate swore we'd cut our losses and got rid.

Yet, not only is he still here, he seems to have learnt how to shoot as well. You'd think the guy that hammered in that left-foot volley against Doncaster was a different player, but no, it's still him.

Corradi's compatriot Bianchi looks quite handy too - perhaps Bernardo just needed a friend.