The Uruguayan and the Frenchman played a one-two before Fornaroli scooped the ball with the outside of his boot over the Nix defence to find Novillo, who dispatched a rasping half-volley.
Fornaroli's gorgeous flick was worthy of any pitch anywhere in the world, and the golden boot leader added to his own tally in the second half.
Michael Zullo's contentious tumble in the box handed Fornaroli a penalty, which he converted after Phoenix goalkeeper Glenn Moss saved his initial effort.
With ten minutes remaining, the striker then controlled Nick Fitzgerald's pass and buried a curling effort past Moss; the strike making Fornaroli the highest-scoring player in the club's history.
The result was tough on Moss, who made a several high-class saves, but not on Phoenix who failed to test the title-chasers.
While records are one thing, there were many reasons for City to relish the Easter Monday clash.
John van 't Schip's side stood up in the absence of creator-in-chief Aaron Mooy and fellow Socceroo Alex Wilkinson while the pair were on international duty.
City can also enjoy the penultimate week of the regular season looking down on the rest of the competition after overtaking Brisbane Roar on goal difference.
Sterner tests await City - beginning with a trip to Perth and the visit of Adelaide - but for now, van 't Schip's side are doing all they can to claim a maiden piece of silverware.
- AAP
