Fiorentina’s xG Was Nearly Six Times Venezia’s. The Score Was Only 4-2.

Fiorentina’s xG Was Nearly Six Times Venezia’s. The Score Was Only 4-2.

ACF Fiorentina defeated Venezia 4-2 at Stadio Pierluigi Penzo on Friday, but the underlying numbers suggest the margin could have been even wider. Fiorentina generated 3.36 expected goals to Venezia’s 0.58 — a ratio of nearly 6:1 — and outshot their hosts 19 to 10, with 7 shots on target to Venezia’s 4.

The result keeps Fiorentina’s season on track after a slow start, while Venezia remain rooted to the bottom of Serie A. The xG numbers tell a clear story: this was a comprehensive Fiorentina performance that should have yielded an even more emphatic victory. Venezia’s two goals came from limited opportunities.

Key Numbers

The xG chasm is the story: 3.36 to 0.58 is the kind of dominance that usually results in a 5-0 or 6-0 scoreline. Fiorentina’s 19 total shots included 12 from inside the box (with 7 on target), while Venezia managed just 10 attempts with only 4 on target. The fact that Venezia scored twice from 0.58 xG speaks to Fiorentina’s defensive vulnerabilities on set pieces.

Fiorentina created 5 big chances to Venezia’s 1, and their xG per shot (0.18) was nearly triple Venezia’s (0.06). Possession was 63%–37% in Venezia’s favor, but that merely underscores how little the home side did with the ball. Fiorentina’s efficiency in the final third was clinical, with their passing in the final third completing at 68% compared to Venezia’s 55%.

How the Game Flowed

Both first-half goals came from Fiorentina, who went into the break leading 2-1 despite Venezia holding more possession (65%–35% in the first half). The second half saw more of the same: Fiorentina continued to create high-quality chances, adding two more goals in the 55th and 67th minutes to make it 4-1 before Venezia pulled one back late on.

Venezia’s two goals came from limited opportunities, with their xG never rising above 0.30 in either half. Their first was a well-worked set piece in the 22nd minute, while their second was a late consolation from a defensive error.

What It Means

Venezia remain 20th and bottom of Serie A on 0 points from 4 matches after a spirited but ultimately outclassed performance. The loss extends their winless start to the season. Fiorentina improve to 15th on 3 points from 4, but this performance suggests they are capable of much more.

The xG numbers confirm what the eye test suggested: this was a comprehensive Fiorentina display that should have yielded an even more emphatic victory. For Venezia, the priority must be tightening up defensively while finding a way to create more with their possession.