In a gripping encounter at the Stadio Castellani, Empoli and Venezia fought to a 2-2 draw on April 20, 2025, a result that leaves both teams struggling in their battle against relegation.
The match, which kicked off at 9:00 AM ET, was crucial for both sides, as they currently find themselves in the lower half of the Serie A standings. Empoli, sitting in 19th place, has yet to secure a victory in the league this year, while Venezia, just a spot above in 18th, aimed to build on their recent performances.
Empoli started the match brightly, creating several chances early on. Notably, they almost scored an own goal when Venezia's goalkeeper Ionut Radu parried a shot, leading to a chaotic clearance that narrowly avoided the net. Devis Vasquez, Empoli's keeper, also showed his skills with a stunning save from a free kick taken by Hans Nicolussi Caviglia.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 59th minute when Empoli's Jacopo Fazzini scored his first goal of the season. After a clever interception by Liam Henderson, Fazzini volleyed home a well-placed cross, sending the home fans into a frenzy. However, Venezia responded quickly, leveling the score just eight minutes later.
In the 67th minute, John Yeboah capitalized on a corner that caused confusion in the Empoli defense. With Vasquez unable to claim the ball, Yeboah struck from close range, bringing the score to 1-1. The visitors took the lead in the 85th minute when Gianluca Busio, the USMNT star, scored with a precise shot from the center of the box, putting Venezia 2-1 ahead and seemingly on their way to a vital victory.
But Empoli was not done yet. Just two minutes later, in the 87th minute, Tino Anjorin, making his comeback from injury, curled a stunning right-footed shot from the edge of the area into the bottom corner, securing a point for his team. The home crowd erupted as the match ended in a dramatic draw.
This result means that Empoli remains without a win in Serie A in 2025, a situation that puts additional pressure on the team as they continue their fight to avoid relegation. The draw leaves them with just 24 goals scored this season, the lowest in the league, while they have conceded 50 goals, ranking them 16th in that category.
For Venezia, the draw is a missed opportunity to gain crucial points as they also remain embroiled in the relegation battle. With 25 goals scored and 44 conceded, their position is precarious, and they will need to improve in the coming weeks to secure their place in Serie A.
The match statistics highlight the struggles both teams face. Empoli has taken 265 shots this season, the fewest in the league, while Venezia has managed slightly better with 290 shots. Defensively, both teams have faced a high number of attempts, with Empoli's opponents taking 420 shots and Venezia's 413.
As the season progresses, the pressure mounts on both teams to secure vital points. With the relegation zone looming, every match becomes a must-win scenario. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial as both clubs look to turn their fortunes around and avoid the drop to Serie B.
Looking ahead, the next matches will be pivotal for both Empoli and Venezia. The teams will need to focus on tightening their defenses and converting opportunities into goals if they hope to escape the relegation battle. Fans will be eagerly anticipating how these teams respond to the ongoing challenges as the Serie A season continues.
In conclusion, while the draw at Stadio Castellani may not have been the desired outcome for either side, it does keep the fight for survival alive. Both Empoli and Venezia must regroup and prepare for their next challenges as they strive to secure their places in Italy's top flight.
