Serie A: Empoli Snatch Precious Point Against Venezia with Late Equalizer

Venezia and Empoli played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Serie A, with Esposito's late strike canceling out Pohjanpalo's opener.

A comedic error gifted Venezia the opening goal, but Empoli showed resilience to secure a valuable point on the Laguna, thanks in part to Sebastiano Esposito's efforts. Venezia had been revitalized in recent weeks, displaying impressive form despite a narrow 1-0 defeat to Napoli. In contrast, Empoli had been struggling, having suffered three consecutive losses prior to this match.

Venezia was without several key players, including Domen Crnigoj, Alfred Duncan, and Michael Svoboda, due to injury or illness. Empoli's absentee list was even more extensive, with Ola Solbakken, Jacopo Fazzini, Tyronne Ebuehi, Szymon Zurkowski, Saba Sazonov, Nicolas Haas, and Pietro Pellegri all unavailable for selection. Despite these challenges, Empoli managed to grind out a crucial point against their hosts.

Venezia were handed the opening goal in fortuitous circumstances within the first five minutes. Goalkeeper Devis Vasquez hesitated over a clearance following a back-pass, and his eventual attempt was directed straight at Joel Pohjanpalo. The ball ricocheted off Pohjanpalo and into the net from just nine yards out, giving Venezia an early advantage.

Empoli's Tino Anjorin attempted to respond with a curled effort, but it was well saved. However, moments later, Filip Stankovic's careless clearance put his team in danger. Lorenzo Colombo seized the opportunity, but his shot was cleared off the line by Jay Idzes. Vasquez then made a crucial save, rushing off his line to deny Gaetano Oristanio from close range. Stankovic also made a key intervention, parrying a strike from Colombo as Empoli struggled to find their footing.

Empoli's equalizer was largely due to the ingenuity of Colombo, who expertly evaded the offside trap with a well-timed run onto a long ball. He then showcased his skill with a clever cutback that sent a defender tumbling to the ground, before using quick footwork to glide past two more opponents. Colombo's impressive maneuver ultimately created a simple tap-in opportunity for Sebastiano Esposito, who duly converted to level the score.

Empoli should have taken the lead shortly after equalizing, but for a stunning save by Filip Stankovic. Youssouf Maleh's long-range shot took a massive deflection, looping the ball towards the top corner, but Stankovic incredibly managed to claw it out, denying Empoli a certain goal.

The chances continued to flow, with Joel Pohjanpalo testing Devis Vasquez with a shot from just inside the area. Stankovic was then called upon to make another crucial save, using his legs to block Lorenzo Colombo's point-blank effort after Tino Anjorin had picked him out with a precise through ball.