On September 2, 1996 the Canadian National Soccer League All-Stars played against Toronto Italia at Birchmount Stadium in Scarborough. The match was hastily organised after it was made known that Argentinian superstar was visiting his brother Lalo in Toronto. Lalo had joined Toronto Italia in 1995.

Toronto Italia forward Michele Gioia and Diego Maradona

The CNSL All-Stars took the lead in the 18th minute on a goal by Adolfo Mella.

Jack Zomparelli scored in the 62 minute to make it 1-1.

In the 67 minute Diego scored directly from a corner kick to make it 2-1 to Italia.

Line-ups

Toronto Italia: Joe Ciaravino; Franco Spadafina, Richard Alexander, Tom Perks, John Annisi; Marco Antonucci, Lalo Maradona, Diego Maradona, Jack Zomparelli; Michele Gioa, Phil Caparrella. Subs: Mike Ivancescu (goalkeeper); Miguel Ferreira, Ryan Gamble, Antony Zanini, Garvin Houston, Loui Fioccola, Nick Maxwell.

CNSL All-Stars: Paulo Silva (Toronto Supra); Leonardo Simon (Toronto Supra), Rene Martin (Scarborough Astros), John DiBuono (Scarborough Astros), Paul Hillman (London City); Leo Lopez (Scarborough Astros), Tony Tavares (Toronto Supra), Alex Nardi (North York Talons), Adolfo Mella (Toronto Supra); John Bottineau (London City), Gus Kouzmanis (Toronto Supra). Subs: Milan Popov (Scarborough Astros), goalkeeper; Ian Bryan (North York Talons), Luan Jonuzi (London City), Lincoln Williams (North York Talons), Anthony Dominique, Tonino Commisso (London City), Gerald Gallacher (London City).

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