Modena produced a strong second-half comeback to beat Vicenza 2-1 in Italian Serie B on October 28, 2026, turning a difficult away fixture into an important three-point result at the Stadio Romeo Menti. Vicenza started brightly and took an early lead, but Modena’s improved pressing and sharper finishing after the break flipped the match and left the home side with a frustrating defeat.

Match overview

Vicenza began the match with energy and looked to impose themselves on the ball. Their early pressure was rewarded in the 22nd minute when Andrea Pellizzari cut inside from the left and curled a low shot beyond the Modena goalkeeper. The home crowd responded, and Vicenza enjoyed their best spell of the match, moving the ball quickly and forcing Modena into several hurried clearances. Modena, however, stayed within reach and gradually began to find space in wide areas as the first half wore on.

The visitors made a tactical adjustment at half-time, pushing their midfield higher and asking their full-backs to provide more width. The change paid off in the 56th minute when Riccardo Moretti arrived at the back post to head home a measured cross. Modena were now the stronger side, and Vicenza’s attacking rhythm disappeared as they dropped deeper to protect the point. The winning goal arrived in the 84th minute when Davide Conti finished a swift counterattack, racing clear before placing his shot beyond the goalkeeper. Vicenza pushed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Modena defended their box with determination and held on.

Key moments

• 9′ — Vicenza’s first sight of goal, but a low effort from the edge of the box was comfortably saved.
• 22′ — Andrea Pellizzari gave Vicenza the lead with a well-placed curling strike.
• 45+1′ — Modena appealed for a penalty after a tangle in the box, but the referee waved play on.
• 56′ — Riccardo Moretti equalised with a header from a deep cross.
• 71′ — Vicenza’s goalkeeper made a sharp save to deny Modena a quick second.
• 84′ — Davide Conti scored the winner on the break, finishing calmly one-on-one.
• 90+3′ — Vicenza sent a late header over the bar as Modena held firm.

Tactical story

Vicenza’s first-half performance was built on quick combinations and aggressive pressing, but their intensity dropped after the interval. As Modena raised their defensive line and compressed the space in midfield, Vicenza struggled to play through the middle and were forced into longer, less effective passes. Modena’s switch to a more aggressive 4-2-3-1 shape also created overloads in wide areas, which led directly to the equalising goal.

The decisive phase came in the final 20 minutes. Vicenza’s midfield dropped too deep, inviting pressure, and Modena’s substitutes added fresh legs in attacking areas. The winning goal was a perfect example of Modena’s improved transition play: a turnover in midfield, a quick forward pass, and a composed finish from Conti. Vicenza will be disappointed with their game management after taking the lead, while Modena deserved credit for their adaptability and ruthlessness.

Standout players

Riccardo Moretti was central to Modena’s comeback, scoring the equaliser and constantly troubling Vicenza’s defenders with his movement. Davide Conti made the decisive contribution off the bench, showing composure for the winning goal. Modena goalkeeper Filippo Rinaldi also made an important save at 1-1 to keep his side level. For Vicenza, Andrea Pellizzari was the standout performer, scoring a fine goal and remaining their most dangerous outlet, while midfielder Marco Bellini worked hard but could not prevent Modena from taking control after half-time.

What the result means

The victory gives Modena an important away win and reinforces their credentials as a side capable of competing in the upper half of the Serie B table. For Vicenza, the defeat is a missed opportunity to build momentum at home, and their inability to protect a lead will be a concern for the coaching staff. Modena’s second-half response showed character and tactical flexibility, while Vicenza must find a way to maintain their intensity for the full 90 minutes as the Serie B season progresses.