Match Report

Match Report: Venezia V AS Roma – 9th February 2025

On 9 February 2025 by Gillyowl

Venezia is indeed a captivating city, renowned for its enchanting canals, stunning architecture, and rich cultural history, making it a romantic haven for artists and lovers alike. Its unique charm, with winding streets and picturesque gondolas, inspired legendary figures like Casanova, Lord Byron, Vivaldi, and Peggy Guggenheim, each leaving their mark on the city’s vibrant legacy. The interplay of light and water, along with its historic art and music scene, continues to draw souls seeking inspiration and romance, solidifying Venezia’s status as a timeless muse.

The gray skies and drizzle had a way of draining the warmth from even the most romantic of gestures, leaving the city feeling dull and uninspiring, a far cry from the idyllic scenes typically associated with Venice.

In this rain soaked encounter, Roma charged to a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Venezia, propelled by a stunning second-half penalty from the maestro Paulo Dybala. This triumph not only invigorated Claudio Ranieri’s men but also marked their impressive fifth win in eight Serie A matches, solidifying their place as a formidable force in the league. Venezia showcased their new talents, with Ionut Radu making his debut in goal and David Fila leading the attack, while Roma introduced Lucas Gourna-Douath, stepping up in the absence of the suspended Manu Kone. The tension was palpable, especially when Venezia believed they had earned an early penalty after Gianluca Mancini’s handball, only for the referee to dismiss their claims after a lengthy VAR deliberation. Mancini redeemed himself by narrowly missing a goal, as Hans Nicolussi Raviglia heroically cleared his header off the line, but ultimately, it was Roma’s resilience and Dybala’s poise that clinched the victory, proving yet again that they are a force to be reckoned with in Serie A.

With the fiery spirit of the Giallorossi blazing brightly, Artem Dovbyk’s audacious header sent shivers down the spine of Radu, curling toward the far corner with tantalizing precision, forcing the keeper to summon his best save of the first half. Then, ten minutes after the break, the electric Angelino was clipped by Marcandalli, earning Roma a crucial penalty that electrified the stands. Dybala, with the calmness of a true maestro, stepped up and effortlessly sent Radu the wrong way, burying the ball in the right corner and igniting scenes of jubilation amongst the passionate Roma faithful. Zeki Celik nearly added a second, nodding just over the bar with mere minutes left, but the gritty determination of Ranieri’s men shone through, yielding five wins and three draws in their last eight Serie A outings, and catapulting them to a temporary ninth in the table—proof that the heart of a champion beats loudly in the Eternal City.