Venezia pulled off a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory against Udinese, with Joel Pohjanpalo scoring two penalties. The match was marked by a costly red card for Udinese’s Isaak Toure.
This local derby in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia saw Venezia eager to end their poor run of form after a recent 2-2 draw against Monza. However, they faced challenges with injuries and suspensions, including missing key players like Florian Thauvin and Alexis Sanchez. Udinese, who had previously held Manchester United and Fenerbahce to draws, were also without several key players.
Udinese struck first when Sandi Lovric surged forward, combining with Iker Bravo to score from the edge of the area. They quickly doubled their lead as Jaka Bijol intercepted a poor clearance from Venezia’s goalkeeper, allowing Bravo to score his debut Serie A goal.
Just minutes later, Venezia was nearly down 3-0, but goalkeeper Filip Stankovic made a crucial save on Lorenzo Lucca’s shot. The tide turned when Venezia was awarded a penalty after Pohjanpalo was fouled by Lautaro Giannetti. He converted the penalty, having previously missed his only other spot-kick in Serie A.
As the second half began, Venezia’s Gaetano Oristanio came close to scoring but was denied by Udinese’s defense. The game shifted dramatically when Isaak Toure received a red card for a foul on Oristanio, leaving Udinese with ten men.
Venezia capitalized on their numerical advantage almost immediately. Hans Nicolussi Caviglia bent a free kick around the wall to equalize. The hosts continued to press forward, creating several chances before finally taking the lead when Pohjanpalo scored another penalty after Christian Kabasele handled the ball in the area.
Despite late pressure from Udinese, Venezia held on for a vital win that boosts their morale significantly. This victory highlights their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, especially against a high-flying opponent like Udinese.
Goals: Lovric 19 (U), Iker Bravo 25 (U), Pohjanpalo pens 41, 86 (V), Nicolussi Caviglia 56 (V)
Sent off: Toure 53 (U)
Venezia (3-5-2): Stankovic; Altare, Svoboda, Haps; Candela (46′ Zampano), Duncan, Nicolussi Caviglia (73′ Andersen), Busio (73′ Gytkjaer), Ellertsson; Pohjanpalo, Yeboah (46′ Oristanio).
Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Touré, Bijol, Giannetti (64′ Zarraga); Ehizibue, Lovric (79′ Thauvin), Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara (64′ Zemura); Bravo (55′ Kabasele), Lucca (79′ Davis.
