Venezia goalkeeper Jesse Joronen made a series of big saves and the Cremonese woodwork denied Nicholas Pierini, as promotion from Serie B will be decided on Sunday.
The second leg will be at the Stadio Penzo on the Laguna on Sunday June 2.
As per the play-off rules, if the tie is level at the final whistle in that game, then the team that finished higher up the Serie B table will be promoted without the need for extra time or penalties.
Venezia ended the season in third place and Cremonese fourth.
The hosts forced a tough save out of Jesse Joronen when Massimo Coda won back the ball and saw his strike deflected, but Cristian Buonaiuto twice aimed weak finishes straight at the goalkeeper.
Venezia almost took the lead at the dawn of the second half when a Nicholas Pierini free kick thumped the crossbar.
Cremonese had a double chance, first Franco Vazquez effort charged down, then the Leonardo Sernicola follow-up fingertipped round the far post.
Coda’s scorcher from a tricky angle stung Joronen’s gloves and the Venezia goalkeeper got down again for a very difficult one-handed save on the Luca Zanimacchia daisy-cutter.
Whoever wins will be promoted to Serie A for the 2024-25 campaign along with Parma and Como.
Serie B promotion play-off
Final, 1st leg
Cremonese 0-0 Venezia
Match statistic
