Ghanaian defender Tariq Lamptey marked his Fiorentina debut in a Serie A clash against defending champions SSC Napoli, though his first outing ended in disappointment with La Viola falling 3-1 at the Artemio Franchi Stadium.

The 24-year-old, who joined from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer transfer window, came off the bench to replace Pietro Comuzzo shortly after Luca Ranieri had reduced the deficit for Fiorentina. Lamptey’s introduction added pace and energy as the hosts pressed for a way back, but Napoli’s dominance had already set the tone.

Kevin De Bruyne put the champions ahead early with a sixth-minute penalty before Manchester United loanee Rasmus Højlund doubled their lead eight minutes later. Sam Baukema then made it 3-0 just after the restart, leaving Stefano Pioli’s men with a mountain to climb.

Despite Fiorentina’s spirited late push, Antonio Conte’s Napoli held firm to secure all three points. For Lamptey, however, the cameo offered glimpses of promise, and he will now look forward to more minutes as he settles into life in Serie A.