Akor Adams finally opened his Serie A account for Venezia, but his personal breakthrough was overshadowed as the newly promoted side suffered a 4-2 home defeat to Fiorentina on Friday.
The Nigerian striker gave Venezia the perfect start at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, finding the net in the 22nd minute with a composed first-time finish after being played into the area by Gianluca Busio. The goal marked Adams’ first league strike since joining Venezia and ended his wait for a Serie A breakthrough.
However, Venezia’s advantage lasted only seven minutes before Franco Mastantuono levelled for Fiorentina. The Argentine teenager then struck again a minute later to complete a rapid turnaround, before Mateo Pellegrino extended the visitors’ lead in the second half. Mastantuono completed his hat-trick in the 84th minute, while Antoine Hainaut scored a late consolation for Venezia two minutes later.
Despite the defeat, Adams’ goal provides an encouraging sign for the Nigerian forward. The 26-year-old has now scored in both the Serie A and Coppa Italia this season, taking his tally to three goals across six appearances in all competitions, while his league goal came after four consecutive starts without finding the net. His latest performance also saw him complete the full 90 minutes.
The result, however, leaves Venezia still searching for their first league points of the campaign after four consecutive defeats. Their next Serie A assignment comes against Lazio at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on September 19, with Adams now hoping his first league goal can provide the confidence needed to build momentum in Italy.
