MODENA, ITALY — Venezia secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory at the Alberto Braglia, weathering a late Modena surge that saw Francesco Di Mariano net a stoppage-time consolation in the 94th minute. The visitors' dominance throughout the contest ultimately proved decisive, though the final moments provided heart-stopping drama for the traveling supporters.
John Yeboah broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, capitalizing on Venezia's sustained pressure to give the visitors a deserved lead heading into the interval. The goal came after Venezia had pinned Modena back for long stretches, controlling 61.5% of possession and dictating the tempo with their patient build-up play. Antonio Casas appeared to seal the points in the 74th minute, arriving as a substitute just two minutes earlier to double the advantage. His fresh legs made an immediate impact, finishing clinically to reward Venezia's attacking intent. Di Mariano's late strike in the fourth minute of stoppage time, also coming off the bench after his 80th-minute introduction, set up a frantic finale but came too late to spark a genuine comeback.
The tactical battle saw Venezia's midfield trio, orchestrated by Gianluca Busio, control proceedings throughout. Modena struggled to establish any rhythm in possession, with Alessandro Sersanti introduced at halftime in an attempt to wrestle back control. Venezia's defensive organization, marshaled by Joel Schingtienne despite his 50th-minute booking, remained resolute until the dying moments. Modena's goalkeeper emerged as his side's standout performer, making five saves to keep the scoreline respectable and denying Venezia a more comfortable margin of victory.
The statistics painted a clear picture of Venezia's superiority. Despite 10 attempts, Modena managed just two shots on target, highlighting their struggles to create genuine scoring opportunities. Venezia's 18 shots demonstrated their attacking ambition, with eight troubling the Modena goalkeeper throughout the contest. The visitors' clinical edge in the final third proved the difference, converting their territorial dominance into crucial goals when it mattered most.
The turning point arrived with Antonio Casas's introduction in the 72nd minute. His immediate impact transformed Venezia's attack, adding fresh impetus and directness that Modena's tiring defense couldn't contain. The Spanish forward's goal just two minutes after entering the fray exemplified the quality Venezia possessed from the bench, with coach changes proving decisive. The four yellow cards shown reflected a competitive encounter, with Antoine Hainaut, Busio, and Schingtienne cautioned for Venezia, while Simone Santoro saw yellow for the hosts.
Looking ahead, Modena will host Monza on December 26, while Venezia host Virtus Entella on December 27.