Two early strikes from Federico Bernardeschi have given Fiorentina a half-time lead in their International Champions Cup match with Barcelona.

La Viola, who had Paulo Sousa taking charge of a home game for the first time, were ahead inside four minutes after a deft cross from Borja Valero found Bernardeschi and the youngster's flick beat the despairing dive of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Federico Bernardeschi with his teammates of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the preseason friendly match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Barcelona at Artemio Franchi on August 2, 2015 © Getty Images

The visitors came close to levelling when Gerard Pique's through ball found Ivan Rakitic in space, but the Croat's effort was straight at Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Barca conceded a second on 12 minutes after a pinpoint low cross from Joaquin on the right flank was side-footed home by Bernardeschi, leaving Ter Stegen wrong-footed.

However, Luis Enrique's side managed to pull a goal back soon after as a first-touch pass from Rakitic saw Luis Suarez bundle the ball home from close range.

Midway through the half, Pedro almost got the Catalans back on level terms as he combined with Suarez before seeing his strike saved by an increasingly busy Tatarusanu.

Suarez then squandered the chance to score his second before half time when Pedro slid a pass into the Uruguayan's path, but the forward dragged his shot wide.

Follow second-half coverage from the Stadio Artemio Frenchi with Sports Mole's live text commentary.