Venezia 2-0 Empoli: Serie B 2025-26 match report

Venezia secured a clinical 2-0 victory over Empoli at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo on Saturday, reinforcing their tactical discipline in a high-stakes Serie B encounter. Giovanni Stroppa’s 3-5-2 setup proved effective against Fabio Caserta’s 3-4-2-1, as the home side managed the tempo of the game effectively despite a period of sustained pressure from the visitors in the second half.

The opening and the breakthrough

The first half was defined by a cautious approach from both sides. Venezia looked to utilize the width provided by their wing-backs, while Empoli attempted to overload the central areas with their two attacking midfielders operating behind the striker. Neither side managed to carve out a clear-cut advantage in the opening 45 minutes, with the defensive structures of both teams holding firm.

The deadlock was broken five minutes into the second half. A well-constructed move involving Bartol Franjić provided the opening, as he delivered a precise ball for Andrea Adorante. Adorante finished with composure, giving Venezia the lead and forcing Empoli to shift their tactical approach. The goal appeared to disrupt Empoli’s rhythm, leading to a moment of frustration shortly after when Matteo Lovato received a yellow card in the 56th minute for a challenge as the visitors attempted to regain control of the midfield.

The decisive moment

The match reached its most contentious point in the 72nd minute. Empoli believed they had been handed a lifeline when a penalty was initially awarded in their favor. However, following a VAR intervention, the decision was overturned, denying the visitors a chance to equalize from the spot. The reversal of the penalty proved to be a psychological blow for Caserta’s side, who struggled to regain their momentum in the final quarter of the match.

Both managers turned to their benches in an attempt to influence the closing stages. Empoli introduced Rares Ilie and Stiven Shpendi in the 77th minute, followed by Tyronne Ebuehi and Simone Romagnoli later on, in a desperate bid to find a breakthrough. Venezia responded with their own series of substitutions, bringing on Ridgeciano Haps and John Yeboah to reinforce their defensive shape and provide fresh legs for counter-attacking opportunities.

The tactical gamble paid off for Venezia in the 87th minute. Mattia Compagnon, who had been a creative force throughout the afternoon, provided the assist for Ibrahima Doumbia to double the lead. The goal effectively ended Empoli’s hopes of a comeback, as Venezia successfully navigated the final minutes, including a flurry of late substitutions and a stoppage-time yellow card for Salvatore Elia, to confirm the three points.

Looking ahead

The result at the Penzo serves as a significant boost for Venezia, who demonstrated the defensive solidity and clinical finishing required to maintain their trajectory in the Serie B table. For Empoli, the inability to capitalize on their possession—compounded by the overturned penalty—highlights a need for greater efficiency in the final third as they look to regroup for the remainder of the campaign.