Venezia secured an important 2-1 win against Udinese at the Stadio Penzo, as Kike Pérez netted a remarkable long-distance decisive goal to ruin Paolo Zanetti’s debut as the away side’s manager. The outcome moved Venezia away from the bottom of Serie A and dropped Udinese into last position.
Zanetti was hired earlier in the week after Kosta Runjaic was relieved of his duties. Udinese came into the match with only one point from their last eight league fixtures, while Venezia sat just one point above them despite having recorded a single victory all season against Napoli.
Venezia vs Udinese: Hainaut and Pérez drive the comeback
Venezia started the game aggressively, with Antoine Hainaut testing Maduka Okoye early on. Nicolò Zaniolo then wasted a good chance after getting into space inside the box, sending his shot off target.
The home side kept generating opportunities as Juan Jesus headed a corner just over and Pasquale Mazzocchi curled an attempt narrowly wide from long range. On the opposite end, Filip Stanković kept out Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, while Hainaut shot over after latching onto a rebound. Neither team could find the opening goal before the interval.
Udinese had a great chance to go ahead soon after the break, but Keinan Davis failed to convert against Stanković from close quarters in a one-on-one. Venezia made them pay in the 54th minute when Hainaut whipped in a cross from the right and Toma Bašić slotted into the bottom corner.
Udinese hit back nearly straight away, equalising three minutes later through Matías Moreno’s own goal. The goal was upheld after a lengthy VAR check regarding Zaniolo’s positioning in the build-up.
Kike Pérez’s wonder goal leaves Udinese at the foot of Serie A
Venezia restored their lead in the 65th minute thanks to a brilliant strike from Pérez. After collecting Mazzocchi’s pass, the midfielder fired a left-footed shot from outside the area that sailed into the top corner, leaving Okoye helpless.
Mazzocchi had to be withdrawn due to injury shortly after, but Udinese kept pushing for another equaliser. Stanković made a fine save to deny a long-range effort from substitute Giorgi Chakvetadze.
Venezia nearly added to their lead from a corner, with Moreno heading wide before Simon Sohm had his attempt blocked. Akor Adams also scored with nine minutes left, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The win lifts Venezia out of the bottom spot, leaving them one point adrift of Monza. Udinese, in turn, fall to last place. Both sides will be back in action after the international break, with Venezia away to Juventus on 22 November at 12:30 CET and Udinese travelling to Bologna at 15:00 CET.