Brazilian striker Brandao struck the only goal to ensure a 1-0 win for Saint Etienne and spoil Fabrizio Ravanelli’s debut as Ajaccio coach on Sunday.
The 44-year-old Italian, who won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 but has only two years coaching experience at youth level, could only look on as former Marseille marksman Brandao gave the League Cup winners a perfect start to the season.
Crowd trouble before the match between both sets of supporters put a stain on the opening weekend of the Ligue 1 season which concludes later Sunday with Marseille at promoted Brittany side Guingamp.
Saint-Etienne’s team bus was bombarded with missiles from the Corsican club’s fans as they arrived at the stadium which led to a series of incidents including supporters from both teams and security personnel.
Lyon are the early leaders on goal difference after crushing Nice 4-0 on Saturday while there were also wins for Monaco, Lille, Nantes, Rennes and Valenciennes.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain were held to a 1-1 draw at 2012 champions Montpellier in the opening match of the season on Friday.
Saint-Etienne ruin Ravanelli's Ajaccio debut
