It was a hard-fought game between Verona and Empoli. © ANSA / EMANUELE PENNACCHIO

Verona in the relegation battle: shock at the last minute

Hellas Verona carelessly gave away three points in the Serie A relegation battle on Sunday as they squeaked out a last-minute win against Empoli.

28 May 2023

From: do

Spezia Calcio suffered a 0-4 defeat against Torino on Saturday. This gave Hellas Verona a golden chance on Sunday to pull themselves out of the relegation zone on their own. The game itself was not a feast for the eyes, while the Hellas fans had to hope for the all-important points for a long time. But in the end Empoli equalized to make it 1-1, which plunged the whole of Verona into mourning.

The urgency of the situation was initially not visible at lunchtime on Sunday at the “Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi”, the home of Hellas Verona. Little to nothing happened in the first half.

This continued after the restart. While Hellas did not dare to organize a game forward, Empoli also saw no reason to do so. Only standard opportunities brought a little fire into the game. Tyronne Ebuehi's header from a free kick narrowly failed to give Empoli the lead (57'). However, out of nowhere came Cyril Ngonge's hammer, who simply shot from a good 20 meters. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario saved this shot, but he was powerless against Adolfo Gaich's goal - 1-0 for Verona (61').

Adolfo Gaich made it 1-0 for Verona. © ANSA / EMANUELE PENNACCHIO

Hellas subsequently lined up at the back in the best “Catenaccio” style to keep this lead over time, but Empoli grew stronger and stronger. In the 6th minute of added time the time had come. Petar Stojanovic took his heart into his hands and completed a beautiful solo effort into the left corner of the Verona goal to equalize 1-1. Shortly afterwards the final whistle sounded. Empoli cheered while the Verona players threw their hands in the air in despair.

The decision will be made on the last match day

Nevertheless, Hellas Verona can still hope. Coach Marco Zaffaroni's team will play against Milan next Sunday at 15 p.m. The other relegation candidates Spezia Calcio and US Lecce play against AS Roma and FC Bologna at the same time. Both Hellas and Spezia have 31 points and would – as of now – play a playoff.

Sunday's games

Hellas Verona – FC Empoli 1:1
Goals: 1:0 Gaich (61st), 1:1 Stojanovich (90+6)

FC Bologna – SSC Napoli 2:2
Goals: 0:1 Osimhen (14th), 0:2 Osimhen (54th), 1:2 Ferguson (63rd), 2:2 De Silvestri (84th)

SSD Monza – US Lecce 0:1
Goal: 0:1 Colombo (101.)

Lazio Rome – US Cremonese 3:2
Goals: 1:0 Hysai (4th), 2:0 Milinkovic-Savic (37th), 2:1 Galdames (54th), 2:2 own goal Lazzari (58th), 3:2 Milinkovic-Savic (89th). )

Juventus – Milan (20.45 p.m.)