Aston Villa's pre-season preparations concluded on a high note with a 1-0 victory over Serie A side Fiorentina at Villa Park.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill handed a debut to new £6million signing Fabian Delph but it was experienced campaigner Emile Heskey who hit winner for the hosts after 14 minutes, the striker reacting quickest to Ashley Young's cross to prod home at the near post.

Fiorentina spurned a great chance to pull level with 15 minutes remaining when Curtis Davies handled in the area, Alberto Gilardino crashing the resulting penalty against the upright.