Venezia coach Paolo Zanetti took responsibility after his team fumbled a 3-0 lead to lose 4-3 in the derby with Verona. ‘We saw the best and the worst of us.’
The Lagunari had the perfect start at the Stadio Penzo, leading 3-0 by the 27th minute with goals from Pietro Ceccaroni, Doma Crnigoj and Thomas Henry.
However, it was all change after the break, Henry scoring an own goal, Ceccaroni sent off, then Gianluca Caprari’s penalty and a Giovanni Simeone brace turning it around.
“I remain convinced Venezia have everything it takes to stay in Serie A and we can secure safety playing like this,” Zanetti told DAZN.
“I will tell the lads that experiences like this can help the growth process. Unfortunately, we saw both sides of Venezia today, the best and the worst of us.
“In the first half, we were beautiful to watch, creating so many chances and taking a 3-0 lead over a strong side like Verona. It was almost a new experience for us, being 3-0 up, and we struggled when the time came to just control that lead.
“Going down to 10 men without doubt created more problems, but I have to rebuild from the positive aspects. You don’t see good football like that every day.
“Admittedly, losing the game anyway can lead to a psychological whiplash for this team and it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
“I have seen some coaches criticise their squads and the strength in depth, but I don’t want to do that. I am the coach, I take full responsibility for the defeat and I am the one who must convince them we are on the right track.”