Ex-Ghana midfielder Alfred Duncan opened his season's goal-scoring account for Venezia FC to power them to a narrow victory over SSC Bari in the Italian Serie A opener.
Venezia FC commenced their bid for top-flight league return with a 2-1 home win over SSC Bari at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo.
The early dominance of the home side, Venezia FC, earned them the lead just nine minutes into the game through Icelandic winger Bjarki Steinn Bjarkason.
However, SSC Bari restored the parity of the fixture in the 26th minute courtesy of a fine strike from Mehdi Dorval to keep their hopes alive.
SSC Bari's dream of leaving the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo was shattered with a long-range strike from Duncan in the 43rd minute of the game.
The 32-year-old's screamer on the stroke of halftime was the match-winner as Venezia FC held on with no additional goals in the second half of the match.
The former ACF Fiorentina midfielder lasted 85 minutes before he was replaced by Spaniard Kike Perez.
Duncan announced his retirement from the senior national team of Ghana in 2017.
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