Rome  - Adrian Mutu levelled Pablo Osvaldo's opening goal in the Serie A season as Fiorentina came from behind to clinch a 1-1 draw at Bologna on Saturday.

Both sides kept a good pace despite the torrid heat in Bologna and had their first chances on 13 minutes when Bologna's Argentine Osvaldo had a low drive saved by the diving Sebastien Frey.

In the following action, home goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano earned good marks for twice stopping close-range flicks from international Alberto Gilardino.

A general dithering on a corner kick from the right was deadly for the guests on 24 minutes, allowing Osvaldo, a former Fiorentina player, to nod home unopposed from central position.

One minute later, a Marco Donadel drive and a Gila header found Viviano ready for two more brilliant saves as the Florence side lacked determination and precision upfront.

Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli after the break brought on Mutu for Montenegro's Stevan Jovetic, a move that rewarded him on 64 minutes as the Romanian beat Viviano with a smashing drive.

A low cross from Gianluca Comotto found Mutu unopposed inside the area, allowing him to control the ball and drill a great shot at the junction of bar and post.

A final chance for a finally aggressive Fiorentina went begging on 78 minutes when Danish substitute Martin Jorgensen saw his angled shot cleared by Francesco Valiani on the goal line.

Osvaldo also came close, but failed to top off a counterattack as the defence blocked him outside the area.

The Serie A first round continues later Saturday in Siena where the Tuscany hosts welcome giants AC Milan.

Champions Inter Milan take on promoted Bari Sunday afternoon before Juventus welcome Chievo in an evening game. (dpa)