Harrison Delbridge says there is no animosity between Melbourne City players and ex-teammate Bruno Fornaroli ahead of their first meeting since the club record-scorer's defection to Perth Glory.
However, City defender Delbridge insists the prolific Uruguyan forward will be afforded no favours in Friday night's A-League clash at AAMI Park.
Fornaroli scored 57 City goals in 83 games across all competitions before falling out with former coach Warren Joyce last season.
He was frozen out of the first team and banished to train with the youth squad before a drawn-out saga eventually resulted in a move to Perth.
"No hard feelings but for us this is business," Delbridge said.
"You can be friends with a lot of different players throughout the different teams in the league, but for us it's about getting the job done and getting the result.
"For me as a defender that's about making his night as difficult as possible and frustrating them and limiting opportunities for them.
"If we can do that, I think we'll set ourselves up to be successful."
Fornaroli and Socceroos striker Chris Ikonomidis are Glory's equal-top scorers this season with two goals apiece from seven games.
They shape as major threats to second-placed City's chances of extending their strong form at home, where they have won all three matches this season.
"I know how Bruno likes to play, hold-up and link play, and I've played against him heaps in training," Delbridge said.
"They've got Ikonomidis as well, so it's something we're aware of, and (Diego) Castro can be creative on the ball as well.
"We know what they've got and we're prepared to handle it."
Delbridge, 27, has flourished under new City coach Erick Mombaerts and has been tipped as a potential future Australian international representative.
But he remains focused on firing City back to the top of the A-League ladder after they were leapfrogged by reigning champions Sydney FC when they had the bye last week.
"Everyone wants to play for their country, but right now my main goal is to do as well as we can in the league and for me to be the best defender I can be and one of the top defenders in the league," Delbridge said.
"That's my goal right now and I think everything else comes with that, but I'm definitely focused on results right now and playing the best football I can."
Australian Associated Press
