VENICE, Italy (March 17, 2026) (Interstat) — Venezia opened its Serie B campaign with a decisive 3-1 victory over visiting rival Padova on Tuesday at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo.

The home side controlled the match after a tight first half. Defender Michael Svoboda broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, followed swiftly by a goal from midfielder Issa Doumbia in the 46th. Midfielder Kike Pérez sealed the win in the 74th minute.

Padova’s lone reply came from Alessandro Capelli in the 82nd minute. The match was physical, featuring four yellow cards. The result defied a pregame projection of a 1-1 draw, as Venezia began its season with a win while Padova started with a loss.