A fearsome lightning storm caused depleted Al Ain’s weekend friendly against Serie A side Bologna to be called off. Clear skies upon kick-off on Saturday afternoon in Saalfelden soon ominously darkened, with the officials being given no choice but to bring a halt to proceedings during the 54th minute.

Goals from veteran forward Franco Brienza and towering left-back Adam Masina saw the Boss trailing 2-0 by the time the players rushed to safety.

The dangerous summer weather continued a tricky preseason for the Arabian Gulf League runners-up, who are without eight UAE internationals because of the ongoing training camp in Spain.

A positive for coach Zlatko Dalic was the return to action for midfielder Ibrahim Diaky, who has thrown back in once a move to Al Jazira was aborted. But the 34-year-old could do little about Brienza’s smart finish and Masina’s diving header.

The Boss travelled to Salzburg yesterday to continue preparations for their imminent 2016 AFC Champions League quarter-final against Lokomotiv Tashkent. Meanwhile, forgotten man Nilmar struck at the death as fellow continental challengers Al Nasr began pre-season with a 1-0 win against Poland’s Ekstraklasa champions Arka Gdynia.

The Brazil striker – who is up for sale as he is outside the four-player foreign quota because of compatriot Wanderley’s purchase from Sharjah – converted a delicious pass from winger Jonathan Pitroipa. Arabian Gulf Cup holders Al Wahda played out a goalless draw at lower league UE Figueres in Catalonia.