Busio's Late Goal Not Enough

Venezia Settles for Draw in Crucial Relegation Battle

Gianluca Busio nearly played the hero for Venezia in their vital relegation clash with Empoli, scoring what appeared to be the match-winner in the 84th minute, only for the hosts to equalize just two minutes later in an eventual 2-2 draw.

The American midfielder was active throughout the match at Stadio Carlo Castellani, creating opportunities from the opening stages. In the 11th minute, Busio's right-footed effort from outside the box was blocked. Six minutes later, he turned provider, setting up Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, whose shot forced a save from Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez.

Busio nearly found the net before halftime when Christian Gytkjær's headed pass presented him with a chance in the 39th minute, but his left-footed attempt sailed too high. His fortunes turned sour early in the second half when Jacopo Fazzini opened the scoring for Empoli after robbing Busio in midfield.

However, the U.S. international spectacularly redeemed himself when Venezia equalized through Yeboah and took the lead through Busio. The 22-year-old pounced on a blocked Gytkjær attempt, firing a clinical right-footed finish from the center of the box into the bottom left corner. The joy was short-lived as Tino Anjorin curled in a magnificent equalizer to ensure the points were shared in this crucial relegation six-pointer.

With this goal, Busio reached a notable milestone, tying USMNT legend Michael Bradley with his third Serie A goal, placing him fourth all-time among American scorers in Italy's top flight. The draw leaves both teams in the relegation zone with five matches remaining, setting up a tense finale to the season as Venezia prepare to face AC Milan next weekend.