With the end of the summer transfer window, Football Italia previews the 2021-22 Serie A campaign and what to expect from Venezia. Words Giancarlo Rinaldi.
The newly-promoted Serie A side were really busy during the summer transfer window and have one of the most exciting young coaches in Italy. However, it remains to be seen whether they have enough experience to avoid Serie B relegation.
VENEZIA TRANSFERS IN
Sandberg (M, Nykopings), Pecile (M, Vancouver Whitecaps), Heymans (M, Waasland-Beveren), Schnegg (D, Lask), Peretz (M, Maccabi Tel Aviv), Ebuehi (D, Benfica), Tessmann (M, FC Dallas), Arvidsson (G, Helsbinborgs), Jonsson (S, Valur Reykjavik), Sigurdsson (M, Cska Mosca), Busio (M, Sporting Kansas City), Caldara (D, Atalanta), Okereke (S, Club Bruges), Henry (S, Leuven), Neri (G, Livorno), Kiyine (M, Salernitana), de Vries (M, Philadelphia), Ampadu (M, Chelsea), Haps (D, Feyenoord), Vergani (S, Salernitana)
VENEZIA TRANSFERS OUT
Maleh (M, Fiorentina), Cremonesi (D, out of contract), Ricci (D, Parma), Marino (D, Carrarese), Ferrarini (D, Fiorentina), Esposito (S, Basel), Karlsson (S, Siena), Pomini (G, Spal), Di Mariano (S, Lecce), Taugourdeau(M,Vicenza)
PROBABLE XI
WHAT TO EXPECT
Anyone who followed their Serie B campaign will know that character is not a quality lacking among the Arancioneroverdi. The loss of Youssef Maleh to Fiorentina is a bit of a blow but they will hope that hitman Francesco Forte can continue his strong form despite moving up a division. They will need all the battling qualities they showed in their play-offs to keep themselves afloat.
COACH – PAOLO ZANETTI
It was one of the proudest moments of Paolo Zanetti’s life when he brought Venezia back into Serie A after nearly two decades away. A young coach with clear ideas, he has enjoyed success at the Pierluigi Penzo thanks to some attractive football with a willingness to build from the back.
He’s likely to adjust that a little at the higher level but still hopes to show his relatively inexperienced troops deserve their place in the top flight. He has urged his players to play without fear in their new surroundings but with a note of caution that they don’t want to suffer too many heavy defeats.
CAPTAIN – MARCO MODOLO
Local boy Marco Modolo is the skipper for the Venetians and his solid performances at the heart of the defence helped guide them back to the top division. An Inter youth product, the 32-year-old has made nearly 200 appearances for his club over a couple of spells.
He may not, however, feature so much this campaign and if that’s the case he could pass the baton to defensive colleague Cristian Molinaro as happened in their week one fixture. Whoever the leader is, they will have their work cut out to ensure the team keeps its cool in its tougher surroundings.
PLAYER TO WATCH – DENNIS JOHNSEN
There’s a buzz among fans in the orange, black and green every time winger Dennis Johnsen gets the ball. Having spent time with Ajax, the young Norwegian has all the skills and ability you would expect of that outstanding finishing school.
A mainstay of the promotion season, he will be hoping to carry on that form against more difficult opponents. If Venezia can play with the attacking intent their coach desires, then he will be the man tasked with unlocking opposition defences to create chances for his teammates up front.