Venezia secured a much-needed victory against Cagliari with a score of 2-1 on December 22, 2024, at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo. This win was pivotal for Venezia as both teams are embroiled in the relegation battle of Serie A, making this match feel like a true six-pointer.
Both teams entered the match struggling near the bottom of the league table, with Venezia positioned last with just 13 points, and Cagliari one spot above on 14 points. This gives some insight as to why every point was precious. Venezia had recently come off two thrilling draws, including one against reigning Italian champions Juventus, which added to the urgency of this fixture.
The first goal came against the run of play at the 39th minute, when Venezia's Francesco Zampano found the net following some swift offensive play. Using quick footwork to navigate through Cagliari's defence, Zampano was set up by Gaetano Oristanio, who made one of several impactful runs down the left flank. His assist allowed Zampano to slot home from close range.
Cagliari began the game strongly, asserting their presence and trying to dictate play. Cagliari's Leonardo Pavoletti, recognizable for his attacking prowess, missed several key opportunities early on, indicating the shape of the match where Venezia would capitalize on its chances.
Cagliari's struggles were compounded by defensive blunders, with goalkeeper Alessio Cragno failing to adequately command the area. Key Cagliari player Nadir Zortea had been blocked by Venezia's Mikael Ellertsson, who was pivotal during the opening stages of this encounter.
After halftime, Venezia looked rejuvenated and scored again at the 67-minute mark. Marin Sverko caught defenders off-guard with his unorthodox toe-poke attempt, which rolled past the Cagliari keeper and gave the home side a two-goal cushion.
The relief was fleeting, as just nine minutes later, Cagliari managed to respond, with Pavoletti headlining their comeback effort with his header from Tommaso Augello's cross. The goal came as Cagliari pushed for more, drawing the match to 2-1.
It turned out to be quite the siege for Venezia, as they weathered the storm of Cagliari's impending attack. Filip Stankovic, Venezia’s goalkeeper, transformed the game with several remarkable saves, especially during the last minutes when Cagliari cranked up the pressure. He was especially notable for denying Gianluca Lapadula from point-blank range and maintaining the lead for his team.
Cagliari brought on fresh legs, including substitute Mattia Felici, to break the deadlock late, but it was not to be. With every surge forward, Stankovic's heroics thwarted their efforts time and again, showcasing the sheer determination of Venezia to cling to their slender lead.
After the match, both coaches provided insight reflecting the match's intensity. Venezia's Paolo Zanetti summarized the importance of the win, stating, "It was evident from the start how important the match was for both teams," underscoring the significance of points accumulated at this stage. Meanwhile, Cagliari's Claudio Ranieri hinted at the resilience his players exhibited even when under pressure, noting, "We have to give credit to the way our players reacted after going under pressure."
The victory for Venezia not only boosted their morale but also handed them much-needed points as they seek to escape the relegation zone. The profile of the football season is undeniably competitive, and for Venezia, every point counts as they look to climb the Serie A standings. With this victory, Venezia now looks forward to building on this momentum and avoiding the fate of relegation, as they prepare for their next matches with newfound confidence.
