Fiorentina 1 - 0 Chievo: On-loan Aston Villa midfielder Carlos Sanchez scores Fiorentina winner

Carlos Sanchez marked his full Fiorentina debut with the winner as they beat Chievo 1-0 in Serie A.

The Colombia international midfielder, signed on a season-long loan from Aston Villa earlier this month, headed home Josip Ilicic's left-wing corner in the 29th minute at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Sanchez's goal came after a fierce strike from Spanish midfielder Borja Valero was tipped behind by visiting goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.

Sorrentino made another fine save minutes later to prevent Nikola Kalinic from doubling the hosts lead with a header.

After losing keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu to injury, Paolo Sousa's men continued to pose the stronger attacking threat and they again went close just before the interval when Slovenia international Ilicic shot narrowly over following a fine solo run.

Chievo, who began the season with a 2-0 victory over Inter, almost levelled nine minutes after the restart.

Striker Riccardo Meggiorini latched on to a precise pass to go one-on-one with Luca Lezzerini but the substitute Viola keeper produced an excellent stop to deny an equaliser.

Roberto Inglese also wasted an opportunity to draw his side level when he headed wide of the left post when well placed with 17 minutes remaining.

The lively Ilicic then struck the crossbar as he came close to putting the result beyond doubt.

Fiorentina were not made to rue the near miss though as they held on for the three points to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to bitter rivals Juventus.