Fiorentina extended their longest unbeaten run of the Serie A season to four matches (W2, D2) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over regional rivals Bologna at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, in their first outing since the passing of club owner Rocco Commisso.

La Viola produced an impressive first-half display and found the net three times, although only two of those goals stood. Cher Ndour thought he had opened the scoring after finishing Dodo’s cross into the bottom corner, but the effort was ruled out for offside in the build-up.

The setback proved only a brief delay, as Fiorentina soon took a deserved lead. Albert Gudmundsson delivered an inviting cross from the left, which Rolando Mandragora emphatically slammed home, celebrating with a shirt paying tribute to the late Commisso.

Fiorentina doubled their advantage in unusual fashion just before the break. Another dangerous delivery from Dodo sparked chaos in the Bologna box, with the ball ricocheting between Roberto Piccoli and Remo Freuler before Piccoli slid it into his own net.

Bologna struggled to mount a response, and Fiorentina came close to extending their lead when Fabiano Parisi clipped the outside of the post.

Despite their control, there were moments of tension after the interval, given La Viola had already lost a league-high four matches this season after taking the lead. Marin Pongracic nearly eased those nerves, but Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia produced a sharp save to deny him.

The hosts increased the pressure late on, with Jonathan Rowe striking the post before Giovanni Fabbian headed home to reduce the deficit. However, Fiorentina held firm to see out the result.

The defeat extends Bologna’s winless league run to eight matches (D3, L5), while Fiorentina’s victory boosts their hopes of pulling clear of relegation danger.