On March 29, 2025, the Serie A clash between Venezia and Bologna unfolded at the iconic Pier Luigi Penzo Stadium, where the home side desperately sought points to escape the relegation zone. The match kicked off at 15:00 local time, and fans were treated to a gripping encounter that reflected the stakes for both teams.
Venezia, managed by Eusebio Di Francesco, entered the match with a 3-5-2 formation, featuring goalkeeper Ionut Radu, with a defensive line consisting of Joël Schingtienne, Jay Idzes, and Fali Candé. The midfield was anchored by Kike Perez, Gianluca Busio, and Issa Doumbia, while Alessio Zerbin and Mikael Ellertsson provided width on the flanks. Up front, Daniel Fila and Gaetano Pio Oristanio were tasked with finding the back of the net.
On the other hand, Bologna, under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Lukasz Skorupski was in goal, protected by a back four of Davide Calabria, Sam Beukema, Nicolò Casale, and Jhon Miranda. The midfield duo comprised of Remo Freuler and Lewis Ferguson supported an attacking trio featuring Riccardo Orsolini, Jens Odgaard, and Nicolò Cambiaghi, with Thijs Dallinga leading the line.
The first half of the match was characterized by a stalemate, with both teams struggling to find the breakthrough. Venezia had their chances, notably through Zerbin and Idzes, but both efforts were thwarted by Skorupski, who was in fine form. Bologna, too, had opportunities, with Orsolini and Dallinga testing Radu, but the first half ended goalless at 0-0 after one minute of injury time.
As the second half commenced, Bologna came out with renewed vigor, and it took just four minutes for them to break the deadlock. In the 49th minute, Riccardo Orsolini, who had already made a name for himself this season, scored a stunning volley after a precise cross from Cambiaghi. The goal marked Orsolini's 11th of the season, making him the top scorer for Bologna in Serie A.
Following the goal, Venezia was compelled to push forward in search of an equalizer, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks. The home side had a brief flurry of activity, with Kike Perez forcing another save from Skorupski in the 63rd minute, but they struggled to convert their pressure into clear-cut chances.
As the match progressed, tensions rose, and the physicality of the encounter became evident. In the 61st minute, Kike Perez received a yellow card for a foul on Ferguson, while Calabria was also cautioned earlier in the 25th minute. The match saw several substitutions, with Bologna bringing on Emil Holm and Tommaso Pobega in the 74th minute, while Venezia introduced Christian Gytkjaer for Fila in the 72nd minute.
Despite their efforts, Venezia's attempts to level the score were met with resolute defending from Bologna, who maintained composure and discipline as the minutes ticked away. Venezia's last real chance came when Yeboah sprinted behind the Bologna defense, but his delicate lob was expertly saved by Skorupski.
Bologna, who had not lost in their last five matches where they scored first, showcased their defensive prowess, successfully managing the game to secure a vital victory. The win propelled Bologna to fourth place in the Serie A standings, with 53 points from 30 matches, heightening their hopes of a historic qualification for the Champions League.
In contrast, Venezia's struggle continued, as they remained without a win in their last ten matches in which they conceded the first goal. Their last victory in this scenario came on October 30, 2024, against Udinese. With only one goal scored in their last six Serie A matches, the pressure mounts on Di Francesco's side as they look to avoid relegation.
The match concluded with a score of 1-0 in favor of Bologna, leaving Venezia to reflect on missed opportunities and the need for a turnaround as they face the final stretch of the season. Fans will be keenly watching how both teams navigate the remainder of the campaign, with Bologna aiming for European glory and Venezia fighting for survival.
