Gonzalo Higuain proved the hero on his Juventus debut as the substitute's second-half strike helped the champions start their Serie A campaign


Gonzalo Higuain proved the hero on his Juventus debut because the replacement's 2nd-1/2 strike helped the champions Serie A crusade with a difficult-fought 2-1 victory over Fiorentina.

The Argentina forward departed Napoli under a cloud to join opponents Juve in a ?90million transfer during the shut-season.

And Higuain made a first-class  in justifying that hefty outlay by means of squeezing home the winner from a good perspective with 15 minutes closing in Saturday's contest at Juventus Stadium.

It has been another shut-season of change for Massimiliano Allegri's guys with star midfielder Paul Pogba departing for Manchester United in a world-document deal, whilst the likes of Miralem Pjanic, Marko Pjaca and Dani Alves have joined Higuain in moving to Turin.

Juve enjoyed an outstanding  to the submit-Pogba era when Sami Khedira nodded the hosts right into a deserved 1/2-time lead, however Nikola Kalinic equalised with 20 minutes closing with certainly one of Fiorentina's first significant efforts on goal.

But Higuain, who replaced Mario Mandzukic in the 66th minute, ensured it used to be most effective brief respite for the viewers by using rapidly endearing himself to his new supporters with a scientific winner to make it 4 consecutive league wins for Juve over Fiorentina.

With Higuain on the bench, Mandzukic - who scored twice against Fiorentina last season - started up entrance and Dani Alves was once the one low season recruit within the hosts' line-up.

Juve enjoyed a almost always authoritative  they usually will have to had been forward inside 4 minutes when Ciprian Tatarusanu's rushed clearance fell kindly for Khedira, who wastefully lifted his effort onto the roof of the online.

Fiorentina have been becoming increasingly suspect in defence and debutant Davide Astori was once lucky to survive a penalty enchantment when a go bounced towards his left hand.

And it was once little surprise when Juve made the leap forward within the 37th minute.

Giorgio Chiellini crossed brilliantly from the left and Khedira was clinical this time with a thumping header excessive past Tatarusanu.

Alex Sandro then squandered an opportunity to double the lead within the ultimate minute of the 1/2, blazing over after Mandzukic had superbly played him in.

Paulo Dybala stabbed a low effort straight on the goalkeeper quickly after the restart, but Juve's momentum slowed and Higuain was summoned from the bench.

The move didn't pay on the spot dividends, although, as Kalinic rose above Sandro from a Fiorentina corner to brilliantly nod low prior Gianluigi Buffon.

However, Fiorentina's pleasure used to be brief-lived. Khedira's preliminary effort was blocked, but Higuain was once alert to pounce on the free ball and poke dwelling the winner from tight within the six-yard box.

Mario Lemina used to be twice denied a 3rd purpose in the closing phases, nevertheless it mattered little for the Juve trustworthy who had been left to have a good time a new hero.