Venezia’s return to the Stadio Penzo was a disappointing affair, because Spezia emerged with a 2-1 win thanks to spectacular solo efforts from Simone Bastoni and Medhi Bourabia.
This was the first home game of the season, as the Stadio Penzo finally completed restructuring work and was able to host the Lagunari in Serie A after 20 years. They were fresh off a surprise win away to Empoli, but missed Luca Lezzerini and Luca Fiordilino. Spezia had just one point under Thiago Motta, with Ebrima Colley, Kevin Agudelo and Leo Sena ruled out for over a month.
Spezia took the lead after a series of corners with a simply stunning strike from Simone Bastoni. He swung the left boot at it from the edge of the box and the goalkeeper had no chance, as it bounced off the underside of woodwork at the far top corner and in.
Gianluca Busio fired wide after good work from Johnsen, while Martin Erlic limped off with a hamstring injury.
Once again, Spezia took an early lead only to then concede an equaliser, this time Busio whipped in a free kick for the glancing header of defender Pietro Ceccaroni.
Emmanuel Gyasi’s curler skimmed the far top corner, as did a ferocious Mattia Aramu free kick and Dennis Johnsen solo run.
What a hit! Mehdi Bourabia! 😵
Absolutely rifled that into the top corner 💥
Nothing better than a last-minute winner 😍 pic.twitter.com/FeRczpSUWF
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 19, 2021
Just as it seemed as if Venezia might snatch the win, it was Spezia who struck deep into stoppages. Former Sassuolo midfielder Medhi Bourabia came off the bench, ran from midfield and unleashed a rocket into the roof of the net.
Venezia 1-2 Spezia
S Bastoni 13 (S), Ceccaroni 59 (V), Bourabia 94 (S)