Alessandro Florenzi’s long-range strike secured a 1-1 draw for Roma in their opening day clash at Verona, yesterday.

Debutant goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was beaten by Bosko Jankovic as the hosts took the lead just after the hour mark. But Italy forward Florenzi struck five minutes later to ensure a share of the spoils.

Roma also handed a debut to Edin Dzeko and his first sight of goal arrived in the 16th minute when he connected with a volley from a tight angle, but the shot flew into the stands.

Belgium midfielder Radja Nainggolan had a great chance to open the scoring moments later but his effort was well saved by Verona keeper Rafael.

Nainggolan then lofted the ball into the box towards Dzeko only for the on-loan Manchester City striker to head wide.

But Roma survived a scare just before half-time when Jankovic’s header was cleared off the line by Daniele De Rossi.

Arsenal loanee Szczesny was called into meaningful action for the first time at the start of the second half, pulling off a fine double save to deny Emil Hallfredsson and Juanito Gomez.

But the Pole was beaten in the 61st minute when Jankovic met Hallfredsson’s cross at the far post and steered it home.

However, just five minutes later, Florenzi let fly with an angled drive from 25 yards to haul Roma level.

Dzeko had a chance to win it five minutes from time but headed over before Miralem Pjanic was denied by Rafael at the death.

At the end of the match, Roma coach Rudi Garcia said he was satisfied with Dzeko and fellow newcomer Mohamed Salah.

“Edin had a great first half and an excellent chance with a header at the end,” Garcia told Sky Sport Italia.

“What we lacked was a higher tempo, as we weren’t quick enough in possession and above all lacked width.

“We knew Verona would be tough at home and it will be for others who come here too. We could’ve done better in attack though but the state of this pitch forced us to always take a touch first.

“Let’s not forget Edin just arrived and had only one friendly with us, while Mohamed has also had little time to settle.”

Roma’s cross-city rivals Lazio got their season off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Bologna in the late kick-off.

Argentina international player Lucas Biglia opened the scoring for the Rome side with a neat finish from the edge of the area after 17 minutes.

Dutchman Ricardo Kishna lashed in a low shot to double the advantage just six minutes later but Lazio were dealt a blow shortly after when Biglia was carried off on a stretcher.

Bologna pulled one back through Matteo Mancosu just before half-time but they could not find an equaliser.

Franco Brienza almost hauled them level with a minute remaining but his header was kept out by Lazio keeper Etrit Berisha.

Results

Serie A

Played yesterday

Verona 1
Jankovic 61;
Roma 1
Florenzi 66;

HT: 0-0. Att: 22,255.

Lazio 2
Biglia 17; Kishna 23;
Bologna 1
Mancosu 43;

HT: 2-1. Att: 18,500.

Playing today – 20.45
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Frosinone vs Torino
Inter vs Atalanta
Juventus vs Udinese - 18.00
Palermo vs Genoa
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Sassuolo vs Napoli

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