Sunday 10th March 2002

A disputed penalty turned this game in favour of struggling Brescia after Venezia had taken a first half lead through Federico Magallanes.

Giunti converted the spot-kick and Chilean striker Salgado added Bresica's second, his first in Serie-A, within two minutes. Pippo Maniero went close to equalizing for the hosts but if truth be told the visitors deserved their victory.

Since Baggio's injury Brescia have struggled for points, but they were still allowed to start this game as odds-on shots as Venezia are already doomed to relegation, though it's not a mathematical fact yet it is a 'racing certainty'.

Brescia's fortunes have plummeted them deep into the relegation mire, and it must seem like quicksand , despite picking up all three points here they are still struggling to escape.

The first half began as a game of cat and mouse, Brescia managed to get crosses in from the wings but Igli Tare, their lanky blonde Albanian, continually failed to control the ball. His season started as brightly as his hair with four goals in the first two games, but he's struggled ever since.

Giunti twice attempted shots from free-kicks but the Venetians were never really under that much pressure, despite Brescia's advantage.

The breakthrough finally came against the run of play when Filippo Maniero found Federico Magallanes and Magallanes found the net. Up to that point he only danger to Brescia had been from three hopeful long range efforts, one each from Bettarini, Marasco and Maniero, though none of them threatened to go in.

Mazzone had a rethink at half time and replaced the hapless Tare with his Chilean striker Mario Salgado. Salgado went down in the box under a challenge from Fabio Bilica and a penalty was given, despite the protests. Giunti coolly converted from the spot.

Then within the minute Salgado had given the visitors the lead. Andersson almost leveled the tie, Maniero went close but Brescia's desire to win was the greater and for a second week running they found a new hero. Last week it was Carriacolo, this week it's Salgado's turn.