Akor Adams brace sends Venezia past Modena 3-2 in Coppa Italia

Akor Adams scored twice and supplied an assist as Venezia defeated Modena 3-2 on Saturday night, securing a place in the Coppa Italia round of 16. The forward marked his first appearance for Venezia since leaving Spanish La Liga side Sevilla with a decisive display.

The victory also sets up a meeting with fellow Nigeria international Maduka Okoye in the next round. Adams and Okoye will now face each other in the Coppa Italia after Venezia survived a five-goal contest against Serie B opposition.

Modena took control in the 17th minute when Giuseppe Ambrosino opened the scoring. Adams responded nine minutes later, restoring parity and giving Venezia an immediate route back into the game.

Ambrosino struck again before half-time, completing his second goal of the night and putting Modena 2-1 ahead. Venezia therefore began the closing stages needing two goals to overturn the deficit and avoid an early exit.

Adams helped produce that turnaround in the final seven minutes. He created the equaliser for John Yeboah in the 83rd minute, then scored again two minutes later to complete Venezia’s comeback and put his new club in front for the first time.

The second goal proved to be the winner, sending Venezia through despite Modena scoring twice. Adams finished the tie with two goals and one assist, while his late intervention ensured that his debut ended with progression to the last 16 and a meeting with Okoye.