Venezia Sink Monza With Clinical Second-Half Display
Key Takeaways
- Venezia secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Monza at Stadio Penzo
- Enrique Perez opened scoring before converting penalty to seal triumph
- Home side dominated possession with 56.5% and superior attacking threat
- Monza's discipline crumbled with three yellow cards hampering their efforts
The floating city of Venice provided the perfect backdrop for a crucial Serie B encounter as both Venezia and Monza arrived at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo desperate for points to bolster their promotion ambitions. The intimate waterside venue buzzed with anticipation as the home faithful packed the terraces, sensing an opportunity to gain ground on their rivals. Venezia ultimately delivered exactly what their supporters craved, securing a commanding 2-0 victory that showcased their clinical edge when it mattered most.
The decisive moments arrived in a devastating second-half blitz that left Monza reeling. Enrique Perez broke the deadlock in the 49th minute, capitalizing on sustained Venezia pressure to rifle home the opener that sent the Penzo faithful into raptures. The Spanish midfielder wasn't finished there, stepping up to convert a penalty in the 56th minute after Venezia earned a spot-kick through their relentless attacking play. Perez's composed finish from twelve yards doubled the advantage and effectively killed off Monza's hopes of mounting a comeback.
The tactical battle saw Venezia gradually assert their dominance through patient build-up play and intelligent movement in the final third. While Monza started brightly, earning early bookings for Leonardo Colombo and Paulo Azzi that reflected their aggressive approach, they struggled to maintain their intensity as the match wore on. The visitors' discipline deteriorated further when Andrea Petagna collected a late yellow card, summing up their frustrating afternoon.
Venezia's superior ball retention told the story of their control, enjoying 56.5% possession while registering five shots on target compared to Monza's solitary effort. The home side's 15 shots demonstrated their attacking intent, with goalkeeper heroics keeping the scoreline respectable for the visitors. Monza's six corners suggested periods of pressure, but they lacked the cutting edge to trouble a well-organized Venezia defense that stood firm throughout.
The turning point arrived with Perez's penalty conversion, which transformed what had been a tense affair into a comfortable victory for the hosts. Monza coach responded with a flurry of substitutions, introducing Keita Baldé and Andrea Petagna on the hour mark, but the changes failed to spark the revival they desperately needed.
Both teams face crucial fixtures ahead as the Serie B campaign intensifies. Venezia travel to face Modena on December 20, carrying momentum from this impressive display as they look to maintain their upward trajectory. Monza host Carrarese on the same date, needing to quickly regroup and rediscover the form that has served them well this season.