Lazio 2-1 Bologna: Aquile see off newly promoted Veltri

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

“Our primary objective is the same as the last two seasons: to qualify for the Champions League”.

Dzeko played the full 90 minutes on his Serie A debut following his loan switch from Manchester City.

Matteo Mancosu replied for the newly promoted visitors just before the break, but despite mounting some concerted pressure as full-time approached, Delio Rossi’s men were unable to snatch a point.

“We don’t know exactly how bad he is but we hope it’s not serious, he’s crucial for us”, said Pioli, who was frustrated at his players for giving Bologna hope of a late equaliser.

Having finished second last term and made several notable loan acquisitions during the close-season, Rudi Garcia’s Roma is widely expected to be among the front-runners again, but was made to work hard for the point by a pacy and industrious Hellas Verona side.

Verona are notoriously tough to beat at their Bentegodi Stadium and Bosko Jankovic gave Andra Mandorlini’s side the lead on the hour after collecting from Emil Halfredsson to beat Wojciech Szczesny in the Roma goal from yards out.

Szczesny was making his competitive debut for Roma, as were fellow new signings Salah and Edin Dzeko.

There was no doubt whether that had gone in or not as goal-line technology has been introduced into Serie A from this season.

The round continues on Sunday and Juventus host Udinese at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), aiming for a fifth consecutive Scudetto with Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and new owner of the Number 10 jersey Paul Pogba.