Stroppa`s Team Prevails in Stalled Match, Affected by Hailstorm at Bentegodi
Action from the Coppa Italia match between Verona and Venezia.
The previous five encounters between Verona and Venezia consistently saw both teams find the net. However, this offensive trend was halted during their Coppa Italia Round of 32 clash at the `Bentegodi` stadium. The match remained deadlocked at 0-0, played amidst heavy rain and even temporarily suspended due to a hailstorm. This stalemate was largely attributed to significant squad rotation implemented by both coaches, Zanetti and Stroppa. Late substitutions by Verona, bringing on Giovane and Orban, did little to break the deadlock or ignite their attack. As a result, the game, notably lacking clear goal-scoring opportunities throughout, was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. Venezia emerged victorious with a 5-4 score, successfully converting all their penalties. For Verona, the second penalty, crucially saved by Plizzari from Enzo Ebosse, proved to be their undoing. Nunzio Lella`s decisive final spot-kick secured Venezia`s progression, earning them a coveted matchup against Inter at San Siro.
The Match Dynamics
Prioritizing the league campaign, coach Zanetti made wholesale changes to the Verona lineup, fielding a completely different side from the one that had recently faced Juventus. Similarly, Stroppa opted to rest key players Adorante and Busio, introducing Yeboah only in the second half. This strategic rotation contributed to a largely uneventful first half, further hampered by a waterlogged pitch due to Verona`s heavy rainfall. The adverse conditions worsened to hail, forcing a fifteen-minute suspension at the start of the second half. Even the late introductions of Giovane and Orban failed to spark any significant attacking threat for the home side, doing little to enhance the offensive themes of the game. The match was disjointed and lacked fluidity, characterized by speculative long-range shots and tentative attacks from both teams. Venezia created the only truly notable chance, thanks to the promising young talent Compagnon, who executed a strong solo run down the right flank in the first half but ultimately failed to curl his left-footed shot sufficiently. Verona`s goalkeeper, Perilli, was alert and made the necessary save.
Venezia celebrates their hard-fought victory and progression in the Coppa Italia.
The Decisive Penalties
However, Verona`s goalkeeper proved to be less effective during the penalty shootout itself, conceding all five spot-kicks. Venezia`s Plizzari, in contrast, emerged as the hero of the day. Plizzari, who earned promotion from Serie C to B with Pescara last year and is now looking to establish himself despite the presence of a quality goalkeeper like Stankovic, saved Enzo Ebosse`s crucial penalty – a pivotal moment given Ebosse`s overall less-than-stellar performance in the match. This decisive save effectively secured Venezia`s progression to the Round of 16, where they are scheduled to face Inter at San Siro in December, with the exact date still pending. This victory provides a much-needed morale boost for Stroppa`s squad, especially following their recent comeback defeat against Pescara and a home draw against Cesena. They can now approach their challenging league fixture against Spezia on Saturday with renewed confidence and an invigorated spirit.
