Vladan Ivić had the opportunity to check out his players’ level of readiness after the international break and before the trip to Florence.

The home side started strongly and attempted to take PAOK by surprise, but Željko Brkić kept them at bay with two fine saves. The “Double-Headed Eagle” got possession and took the lead in the 31st minute. Gojko Cimirot provided an excellent through-ball to Léo Matos, who crossed for Dimitris Pelkas to score with a powerful header. PAOK players hit the dressing rooms for the interval protesting about their rivals’ overly physical game.

PAOK stormed out of the blocks for the second half featuring Yevhen Shakhov, Diego Biseswar and Facundo Pereyra. The latter made it 2-0 in the 54th minute with a fine individual move and expert finish. In the 60th minute, Ivić changed all his starters apart from Brkić. Two minutes later, Kakko set up Mafoutas but the latter wasted his chance to score. This close call by Panserraikos served as wake-up call for PAOK. The “Double-Headed Eagle” went close to a third goal with Biseswar and Pereyra, but it was Mame Baba Thiam who made it 3-0 from up close, following an assist by Stelios Kitsiou. The pace of the game dropped afterwards and, despite creating some danger, PAOK didn’t score more goals.

Giorgos Kakko and Τimos Tselepidis started the match for Panserraikos, while Giorgos Ktistopoulos and Αristos Panagiotidis came off the bench in the second half. All four youngsters belong to PAOK FC and are currently playing on loan for the Serres outfit.

PAOK line-up:

Brkić, Giannoulis (60’ Κorovesis), Μatos (60’ Κitsiou), Τzavellas (60’ Μalezas), Varela (60’ Pouggouras), Cañas (46’ Shakhov), Cimirot (60’ Charisis), Pelkas (46΄Biseswar), Rodrigues (60’ Τhiam), Campos (60’ Μsystakidis), Κoulouris (46’ Pereyra)