Item worn with audacity ahead of match (7)
I believe the answer is:
necktie
'item worn' is the definition.
'audacity ahead of match' is the wordplay.
'audacity' becomes 'neck' (I've seen this before).
'ahead of' says to put letters next to each other (I've seen this in other clues).
'match' becomes 'tie' (I've seen this before).
'neck'+'tie'='NECKTIE'
'with' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for necktie that I've seen before include "Fashion accessory - cite Ken (anag)" , "Band in the US" , "one may get collared!" , "Formal wear" , "this'll go with shirt" .)