Bologna hold Fiorentina in Serie A opener

Pablo Osvaldo gained revenge on his former employers as plucky Bologna held Fiorentina to a 1-1 draw in the opening match of the new Serie A season on Saturday.

The Argentine forward, who has represented Italy at under-21 level, scored 24 minutes into this match with a close range header from a corner to give hosts Bologna the lead after losing marker Gianluca Comotto.

The 23-year-old, who had an unsuccessful 18-month spell in Florence before being sold to Bologna in January, twice almost doubled the hosts’ lead but French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey denied him on each occasion.

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli threw Romania captain Adrian Mutu into the fray in the second half and the former Chelsea forward levelled matters with a stunning volley on 64 minutes.

Fiorentina laid siege to the Bologna goal but Francesco Valiani saved a point for the hosts when he cleared Martin Jorgensen’s late shot off the line.

AC Milan travel to Siena in Saturday’s late match, as Brazilian Leonardo takes charge of his first Serie A game in the rossonero hot-seat.