Serie A Round 22: Venezia Banking on Goalkeeper Heroics, Genoa Eyes Revenge Against Monza

As Serie A heads into the final stretch of Round 22, the focus shifts to the relegation battle that has gripped the bottom of the table. Three teams currently languishing in the drop zone are set to clash in matches that could have huge implications for their survival hopes. The stakes couldn’t be higher as Venezia prepares to face Hellas Verona, while Genoa takes on Monza in what promises to be a fiery encounter.

With the matches scheduled for the early hours of Chinese New Year’s Eve, football fans have an added reason to stay up late, as these games might shape the remainder of the season for these struggling sides.

Venezia vs. Hellas Verona – Goalkeeper Stanković the Key to Victory

Venezia comes into this match with their heads held high after a gritty 1-1 draw against Parma in the previous round. It wasn’t just the point they earned that made headlines—it was the performance of their goalkeeper Filip Stanković that stole the spotlight. The son of Inter Milan legend Dejan Stanković, Filip is carving his own path, proving that while his position on the pitch may differ from his father’s, his potential to become a top-tier player is undeniable.

Against Parma, Venezia executed a defensive masterclass, relying heavily on counter-attacks to exploit gaps left by their opponents. The turning point of the match came in the 18th minute, when Keita fouled Yeboah inside the box. After a quick VAR check, the referee awarded a penalty, which Pohjanpalo calmly converted to give Venezia the lead.

That goal boosted Venezia's confidence, but Parma wasn't going down without a fight. They launched a relentless offensive, testing Stanković at every opportunity. The young keeper, however, was up to the task, delivering seven crucial saves and repeatedly denying Parma’s most dangerous attempts. His performance earned him the Serie A Player of the Match honors, a testament to his growing influence between the posts.

As the old saying goes, "weak teams produce great goalkeepers," and Stanković is living proof of that adage. His ability to keep Venezia afloat has been a critical factor in their recent performances. The team has now narrowed the gap to safety and widened their lead over bottom-placed Monza.

On the other hand, Hellas Verona is coming off a disastrous 0-3 defeat to Lazio, exposing their defensive frailties in brutal fashion. From the opening whistle, Verona’s backline looked disorganized and vulnerable. They conceded an early goal due to poor concentration, and their inability to contain Díaz’s penetrating runs highlighted a lack of defensive cohesion. A calamitous back-pass from Ceccherini sealed their fate, gifting Lazio a third goal and ensuring Verona’s misery.

Offensively, Verona showed glimpses of promise, creating a few decent chances. However, their inability to convert opportunities remains a glaring weakness. As they head into this crucial fixture against Venezia, they will need to sharpen their attacking edge and tighten their defense if they hope to secure valuable points.

Historically, Verona has had the upper hand against Venezia, winning their last three encounters, including matches from Venezia’s ill-fated 2021-22 relegation season. However, this time around, the Lagoon Warriors are in better form, having conceded no more than one goal in their last four matches. With Stanković in such stellar form, Venezia has a real shot at breaking their losing streak against Verona and taking a significant step toward survival.

Genoa vs. Monza – Can Genoa End Their Losing Streak Against Monza?

For Genoa, the upcoming clash with Monza represents more than just a relegation battle—it’s a chance for revenge. Since Monza’s promotion to Serie A, Genoa has been on the losing end of their encounters, suffering three consecutive defeats. However, Monza’s form this season has been far from convincing, opening the door for Genoa to turn the tide.

In their last outing, Genoa fell 1-3 to Roma, but the scoreline doesn’t tell the full story. Genoa adopted a defensive, counter-attacking approach that initially frustrated Roma’s attacking unit. By compressing space and limiting Roma’s build-up play, Genoa managed to keep the game tight in the opening stages.

However, their inability to capitalize on counter-attacks proved costly. The lack of a clinical finisher meant that Genoa’s promising breaks often fizzled out before posing any real threat. Their reliance on set-pieces—corner kicks and free-kicks—to create scoring opportunities highlights the absence of a true game-changer in their lineup.

As the game wore on, Genoa’s defensive cracks began to show. Roma’s relentless high press exposed Genoa’s technical shortcomings in possession, leading to costly mistakes at the back. Defensive errors and poor decision-making allowed Roma to break through and secure the win.

Monza, meanwhile, is enduring a similarly frustrating season. They too succumbed to a 1-3 defeat, this time at the hands of Bologna. What’s most alarming for Monza fans is the team’s declining ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Their struggles in “big” matches have become a pattern, casting doubt on their ability to survive the relegation dogfight.

One of the few bright spots for Monza has been Christian Maldini, son of the legendary Paolo Maldini. The young forward’s goal early in the match against Bologna showcased his instinctive positioning and composure in front of goal. However, Maldini’s brilliance wasn’t enough to lift the rest of the team.

Monza’s midfield struggled to assert itself against Bologna’s aggressive pressing, leading to a disjointed performance. The backline was equally shaky, plagued by unforced errors and poor decision-making. The goalkeeper also came under fire for his hesitant handling of key moments, failing to provide the last line of defense when it mattered most.

Despite their current struggles, Monza will draw confidence from their perfect record against Genoa since entering Serie A. However, with their form dipping and Genoa desperate for a win, the visitors will need to step up if they hope to extend their dominance.

What’s at Stake?

Both matches carry immense weight in the context of the relegation battle. For Venezia, a win against Verona would not only boost their survival hopes but also serve as a statement of intent. With Filip Stanković in inspired form, the Lagoon Warriors have every reason to believe they can secure all three points.

Genoa, meanwhile, will be looking to finally break their losing streak against Monza. Their tactical discipline and defensive resilience give them a fighting chance, but they’ll need to find a way to convert their counter-attacking opportunities into goals. Failure to do so could see them slip further into the relegation mire.

For Monza, the pressure is mounting. Their defensive vulnerabilities and inability to handle high-stakes matches have made them prime candidates for the drop. However, if they can rediscover their form and exploit Genoa’s weaknesses, they might just pull off another victory.

Final Thoughts – Goalkeepers, Grit, and Survival

As Serie A Round 22 comes to a close, all eyes will be on the relegation battleground. The performances of Filip Stanković for Venezia and Christian Maldini for Monza will be crucial in determining the outcomes of these matches. Both players carry the weight of their family legacies, but it’s their current form that could tip the scales in favor of their teams.

For fans, these matches promise high-stakes drama, tactical battles, and potentially season-defining moments. In a league where every point matters, the fight for survival is just as thrilling as the race for the title. And as the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” This weekend, we’ll find out which teams have what it takes to stay afloat in the ever-competitive world of Serie A.