Super Eagles star Akor Adams scores first Serie A goal for Venezia

Nigeria striker Akor Adams opened his Serie A goalscoring account for Venezia on Friday night, although his landmark effort could not prevent the newly promoted side from suffering a 4-2 home defeat to Fiorentina.

Adams put Venezia ahead in the 22nd minute at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, producing a composed finish after receiving a pass from Gianluca Busio.

The Nigerian forward made an intelligent run to create space before calmly firing into the net to give Venezia an early advantage.

The goal marked Adams’ first in Serie A for Venezia and came in his third league appearance of the campaign.

It was also another indication of the striker’s growing influence since moving to the Italian club, after he had already made an impressive start in the Coppa Italia.

Venezia, however, could not protect their lead as Fiorentina responded emphatically through Argentine forward Franco Mastantuono.

Mastantuono equalised in the 29th minute before completing a quick-fire double two minutes later to turn the game around before half-time.

Matteo Pellegrino extended Fiorentina’s advantage in the 66th minute, while Mastantuono completed his hat-trick in the 84th minute to put the visitors firmly in control.

Venezia pulled another goal back through Antoine Hainaut in the 86th minute, but Fiorentina held on for a 4-2 victory.

The result ended Fiorentina’s poor start to the Serie A campaign and handed them their first points of the season, while Venezia suffered another setback after their difficult opening weeks.

Despite the defeat, Adams’ performance provides encouragement for both Venezia and Nigeria.

The 26-year-old has now scored three goals and supplied one assist in six appearances across all competitions since joining Venezia, according to reports from Italy.

His latest goal also comes at an important time for the Super Eagles, with Nigeria preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Adams will hope his continued goalscoring form strengthens his case for regular involvement in Eric Chelle’s squad as Nigeria builds its attacking options.

For Venezia, however, the priority will be converting individual attacking moments into results after another match in which Adams’ goal was not enough to secure points.

The Nigerian can nevertheless take confidence from opening his Serie A account, with the goal offering another milestone in his career in Italian football.