The Stadio Franchi finally welcomed Serie A football back on Saturday night, with Fiorentina playing their first home match of the season in front of a passionate crowd on Week 3. Stefano Pioli returned to the Viola dugout at the stadium for the first time in over six years, sending out Moise Kean alongside Edin Dzeko in attack, while Nicolo Fagioli anchored the midfield. Napoli, meanwhile, handed a debut to Rasmus Hojlund and lined up with a star-studded midfield featuring Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay.

It was the visitors who showed their intent first. Just three minutes in, Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s effort drew a fine save from David De Gea, Robin Gosens cleared off the line from De Bruyne, but Frank Anguissa was fouled as he pounced on the rebound. De Bruyne calmly converted the penalty to give the champions the lead.

Just 11 minutes later it was 2-0. Leonardo Spinazzola slipped a clever pass into Hojlund’s path and the Danish striker finished clinically past De Gea for his first goal in Serie A since returning to Italy.

Fiorentina fought to respond, with Rolando Mandragora and Dodo both testing the visitors before the break, while Dzeko saw a powerful drive whistle narrowly wide. Kean also went close with a header just before half-time, but Napoli went into the dressing room firmly in control.

Roberto Piccoli came on after the interval to make his home debut, but Napoli extended their advantage on 51 minutes. From a corner, Anguissa flicked the ball on for Sam Beukema to prod home at the far post, giving the Dutchman a debut goal of his own.

The Viola refused to give in. Mandragora drew a smart save from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic with a free kick, and in the 79th minute captain Luca Ranieri volleyed in from close range to reduce the deficit and spark hopes of a comeback. Jacopo Fazzini and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia brought fresh energy off the bench, creating chances for Piccoli and Gosens as Fiorentina pushed hard in the closing stages.

Despite the late pressure, Napoli held firm to claim a 3-1 win. The Viola showed character and fight in the final half hour, with the introductions of Fazzini and Nicolussi Caviglia providing real impetus, but it was the visitors who made the most of their key moments.

Next up for Fiorentina is a home clash against Como next Sunday at 19:00 CEST at the Stadio Franchi.