It is a relegation six-pointer as these Spezia vs. Venezia predictions pit 16th against 18th in the Serie A table. Seven points separate the teams but given Venezia’s game in hand a win for the Arancioneroverdi would put serious pressure on their hosts.
Spezia vs. Venezia odds
1 – A draw at full time – 12/5
2 – Both teams to score – 3/4
3 – Over 2.5 goals scored – 10/11
4 – Daniele Verde to score anytime – 14/5
5 – Spezia to score a penalty – 9/2
Serie A gets back underway following the international break as Spezia host Venezia on Saturday afternoon. The two sides would have appreciated some time away from the pitch as both have managed just one win out of their last six games.
Venezia’s form will be cause for concern for Paolo Zanetti as the Lagunari have won just once this calendar year, with the three points coming via a shock win over Torino. As a result, the side have slipped into the relegation zone and currently sit three points from safety.
For Spezia, the situation is not as dire as a purple patch in January saw Thiago Motta’s side shoot up the table. However, a tough recent run of fixtures saw the Aquilotti’s only points in March come against an out-of-form Cagliari.
On paper, as well as in the league table, the two sides are relatively evenly matched, with both teams looking to play open, expansive football that often leaves them vulnerable defensively. Given this, and the importance of the game, both managers would most likely be happy with a draw.
Going into Saturday’s game the teams are tied on goals conceded in Serie A – 54 – averaging at 1.8 per game. As a result, it would be safe to assume that there should be no shortage of goals at the Stadio Alberto Picco this weekend.
Daniele Verde is the danger man for Spezia, as the winger is their top scorer and made a goal contribution in each of his last two games before the international break. A good dribbler of the ball and blessed with plenty of pace, Verde may look to target 35-year-old Nani, who is unlikely to track back to help the defence, with the Italian favourite to score on Saturday.
As Spezia’s default penalty taker, Verde may also have an eye on Venezia’s defensive composure, as the Arancioneriverdi recently gave away four spot kicks against Sassuolo – the Serie A record in a single game. While they have tightened up in recent weeks, the odds are good for Spezia to score a penalty at the weekend.
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Spezia vs. Venezia last five matches
Spezia last five matches
Venezia last five matches
Spezia top goalscorers
| Player | Goal |
|---|---|
| 7 | |
| 6 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 | |
| 3 |
Venezia top goalscorers
| Player | Goal |
|---|---|
| 9 | |
| 7 | |
| 4 | |
| 3 | |
| 2 |
Spezia vs. Venezia line-ups
Spezia (4-3-3): Provedel; Adou, Erlic, Nikolaou, Reca; Maggiore, Kiwior, Bastoni; Gyasi, Manaj, Verdi.
Venezia (4-2-3-1): Maenpaa; Ebuehi, Caldara, Ceccaroni, Haps; Ampadu, Vacca; Nani, Aramu, Okereke; Nsame.
Spezia team news
Thiago Motta should be able to welcome back midfield trio Leo Sena, Jacopo Sala and Mehdi Bourabia this month, with the former potentially returning to the bench on Saturday. Few changes are expected from the home team, although Rey Manaj may start over Viktor Kovalenko.
Venezia team news
Joint-top scorer Thomas Henry misses out through suspension this weekend, providing a headache for Paolo Zanetti. The coach has a like-for-like replacement in Jean-Pierre Nsame, but may instead look to field Nani as a false nine. With Sergio Romero and Luca Lezzerini both out injured, Venezia will be hoping that Niki Maenpaa remains fit for Saturday’s game.