Akor Adams opened his Serie A account on Friday night, but the Nigerian striker’s landmark goal could not prevent Venezia from suffering a 4-2 home defeat to Fiorentina, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The two teams entered the encounter still searching for their first league points of the season after losing each of their opening three fixtures.
Fiorentina started the contest on the front foot and created several opportunities, with Beto, Franco Mastantuono, Alex Jimenez and Cher Ndour all threatening the Venezia defence.
However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock against the run of play in the 22nd minute through their record signing.
Adams received a pass on the right side of the penalty area before producing a composed first-time finish into the far corner to register his first Serie A goal.
Venezia's advantage did not last long, though, as Fiorentina turned the game around with two goals from Mastantuono in the 29th and 30th minutes.
Mateo Pellegrino then extended the visitors' lead in the 66th minute before Mastantuono completed his hat-trick six minutes from full time.
Antoine Hainaut scored a late consolation for Venezia in the 87th minute, but Fiorentina held on to claim a convincing victory.
The defeat leaves Venezia at the bottom of the Serie A standings with no points from their opening four matches, increasing the pressure on the newly promoted side.
Adams joined Venezia from Sevilla during the summer in a club-record transfer reportedly worth around €17 million plus bonuses, signing a four-year contract with the club.
The Nigeria international had already made his mark in the Coppa Italia, scoring twice in Venezia's 3-2 victory over Modena in August.
His first Serie A goal will provide a personal boost for the striker, who will now hope to build on the breakthrough as Venezia look to revive their difficult start to the campaign.