Franco Mastantuono treble gives Fiorentina first Serie A win

Paolo Vanoli celebrated his return as Fiorentina head coach with a 4-2 victory at Venezia, inspired by a hat-trick from Franco Mastantuono.

The result gave Fiorentina their first Serie A points of the season and lifted them from the foot of the table, while Venezia remained bottom.

Venezia started brightly, with John Yeboah heading wide before Mastantuono saw a close-range attempt blocked. Cher Ndour then shot into the side netting from a narrow angle, while Alex Jimenez drifted just wide as both teams created chances.

The hosts took the lead against the run of play midway through the first half. Gianluca Busio drove through the centre and found Akor Adams, who struck a powerful first-time effort with his right foot into the far corner. It was Adams' first goal in the Italian top flight.

Venezia's advantage lasted only a few minutes. Mastantuono levelled when he cut in from the right and sent a fast left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner.

The Real Madrid loanee completed the turnaround two minutes later. He gathered a loose ball and placed his finish into the opposite corner via the post, despite the efforts of Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stankovic.

Fiorentina had an opportunity to extend their lead before half-time, but Alieu Njie was denied by Stankovic's legs after being played through on goal. Njie was also looking for his first goal for the club.

Venezia applied pressure after the interval, but Fiorentina produced a decisive counter-attack with less than 25 minutes remaining.

Substitute Mateo Pellegrino scored in consecutive matches after chasing Nicolo Fagioli's clearance from inside his own half. He raced clear before firing a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.

Thorir Johann Helgason tested David de Gea from distance, but Mastantuono completed his hat-trick soon afterwards.

The Argentina international ran on to a clipped pass from Ndour and saw his first attempt saved by Stankovic. The ball rebounded off the 19-year-old and crossed the line.

Venezia did reduce the deficit with three minutes remaining when Antoine Hainaut struck a right-foot volley beyond De Gea, but Giovanni Stroppa's team could not complete a late recovery.

Venezia have now conceded at least two goals in each of their six matches this campaign. Fiorentina, meanwhile, ended a run of five successive Serie A defeats in away head-to-head meetings between the sides.

Mastantuono was named Flashscore's Man of the Match.