LR Vicenza achieved a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Lumezzane on February 23, 2025, at the Stadio Saleri, thanks to the determined performance of the team, particularly highlighted by the efforts of Rauti who scored the decisive goal. This win is particularly significant as it shortens the points gap to just three with Padova, placing the Vicenza squad firmly in the race for the Serie B dream.
The match started on the back foot for Vicenza, with Lumezzane initially showing more ambition and creating early chances. Within the first few minutes, Lumezzane pushed forward, attempting to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Vicenza. An early opportunity came from Pannitteri, but his attempt was deflected out for a corner by Leverbe. At this point, the Vicenza squad seemed to be finding their footing as they began to study their opponents cautiously.
It wasn't until the 20th minute when Vicenza broke the deadlock. A smart play involving Talarico and Ferrari culminated when Ferrari assisted Rauti, who made no mistake, firing the ball past the goalkeeper Filigheddu. This early goal provided Vicenza with much-needed momentum and helped establish their dominance on the pitch for the remainder of the half.
Following their lead, Vicenza looked to double their advantage. They came close when Costa's free-kick found its way past the wall only to roll just wide of the goal. Meanwhile, Lumezzane struggled to respond effectively to the goal and faced increasing frustration with the officiation. A controversial moment ensued when Dalmazzi was alleged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area, but the referee waved play on, prompting vehement protests from the Vicenza players.
Despite the pressure from Lumezzane, Vicenza maintains their one-goal advantage going to halftime. The first half ended with some tension, evident through several yellow cards issued, including one to Zonta following another costly foul.
With the fog thickening by the time the second half kicked off, the conditions on the field became ever more challenging. Lumezzane intensified their attempts for the equalizer, but the Vicenza defense held firm. Vicenza, under the stewardship of coach Vecchi, seemed focused on maintaining their lead by employing tactical substitutions and solid defensive strategies.
During the second half, Rauti nearly sealed the game with another chance; unfortunately, he hit the crossbar. This demonstrated the attacking prowess of the Vicenza side, though they were continually pressured by Lumezzane who, to their credit, attempted to create more scoring opportunities.
Both teams saw several substitutions as the coaches tried to invigorate their players, with Vecchi bringing Ronaldo and Morra onto the field to maintain energy levels. Still, as the clock ticked down, the game devolved with injuries, stoppages, and numerous fouls, indicative of how tightly contested this encounter was.
Eventually, the desperate efforts from Lumezzane came up short. They nearly leveled the score late on, but Confente managed to thwart their final attack, preserving the slender lead for Vicenza. With the final whistle, Vicenza walked away with three precious points under adverse conditions, showcasing resilience and tactical discipline.
This match showcased not only the skill of Rauti and the effectiveness of Vicenza's strategy but also demonstrated the challenges posed by weather and officiation under pressure. While Lumezzane may reflect on missed opportunities, Vicenza’s victory was pivotal as they continue to pursue their goals this season.
For Vicenza, this victory marks their return to winning ways on the road after previous setbacks, revitalizing hopes among fans and players alike as they strive for promotion to Serie B.