This is an early relegation tussle, as Venezia finally got off the mark with a surprise win at Empoli and return to the Stadio Penzo, but Spezia are really struggling now.
The Lagunari would inevitably take a while to settle, having brought in so many players from all over the world quite late in the transfer window. Crucially, this will also be their first match at the Stadio Penzo, as restructuring work has been completed and they can play in front of their home fans.
Ethan Ampadu is available after completing the quarantine process, with Arnor Sigurdsson, Mattia Aramu and Dor Peretz also options for coach Paolo Zanetti.
Thiago Motta has Spezia playing occasionally good football, but the failure to take their chances and howlers in defence mean they have just one point from three rounds. There’s also an injury crisis in attack with Ebrima Colley and Kevin Agudelo both out for at least a month.
Form Guide: Venezia (W L L) Spezia (L L D)
Stat fact: Spezia have won just one of their last 19 meetings with Venezia between Serie B and the Coppa Italia, 5-0 in 1950, along with nine draws and as many losses.
Probable line-ups
Venezia (4-3-3): Maenpaa; Mazzocchi, Caldara, Ceccaroni, Molinaro; Crnigoj, Vacca, Busio; Okereke, Henry, Johnsen
Suspended: None
Injured: Lezzerini, Fiordilino, Ala-Mylimaki
On a yellow card: None
Spezia (4-3-3): Zoet; Ferrer, Nikolaou, Erlic, Reca; Maggiore, Sala, S Bastoni; Verde, Antiste, Gyasi
Suspended: None
Injured: Sena, Colley, Agudelo
On a yellow card: None