Venezia - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Venezia return to Serie A after a year away. They finished last season in first place in Serie B, collecting 82 points. Giovanni Stroppa’s side won 24 matches and suffered just four defeats, securing automatic promotion to Italy’s top flight. However, their return to Serie A has not gone to plan. The team lost all of its first six matches in the top division and decided to change coaches. Davide Nicola took charge, facing the difficult task of keeping the club in the top flight..

Nicola to the rescue

Davide Nicola has repeatedly taken charge of teams threatened with relegation from Serie A. In the past, he helped Crotone, Genoa and Torino, among others, stay up. He now faces a similar task at Venezia, who must adapt to competing against stronger opponents after promotion. The 53-year-old coach signed a contract until the end of the season. Nicola will have to find a solution quickly, as there is no time left to prepare the team calmly.

Rrahmani and Adams tasked with scoring goals

Albion Rrahmani was brought in from Sparta Prague to bolster the attack. The Kosovan had previously scored regularly in the Czech and Romanian leagues, and Venezia hope he will do the same in Italy. Their other attacking addition is Akor Adams from Sevilla. He is a physically strong striker who can hold up the ball and compete with defenders in the penalty area. John Yeboah remains on the wing, joined by Toni Fernández, who arrived on loan from Barcelona. Venezia therefore have players capable of speeding up attacks and beating opponents in one-on-one duels, but so far that has yielded little.

Midfield also needs improvement

Simon Sohm arrived from Fiorentina, while Toma Bašić joined from Lazio. Thorir Helgason also joined the team from Lecce. Sohm can help build attacks and make forward runs, while Helgason can bring more energy to the team’s pressing and ball-winning. Gianluca Busio remains one of the key players in this area, while Kike Pérez brings experience and the ability to play in various positions in midfield.

Venezia lost several important players. Issa Doumbia moved to Sporting for around 20 million euros. He made 63 appearances for the Italian club, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. Gaetano Oristanio joined Torino on loan with an option to buy, while Nunzio Lella made a permanent move to Hellas Verona. Their departures have reduced the number of options available in midfield and attack.

Defensive rebuild and new options

Venezia brought in several new defenders over the summer. Armel Bella-Kotchap joined permanently and is expected to strengthen the heart of the defence. Juan Jesús brings experience from Napoli and extensive knowledge of Serie A. Pasquale Mazzocchi will wear the Venezia shirt again after several years away and also knows the demands of the Italian league. Matías Moreno, meanwhile, is expected to add competition to the back line.

Fight for survival

Venezia have players with experience in stronger leagues, while Rrahmani and Adams have previously shown that they can score goals. So far, however, the new signings have not translated into results. After several defeats, the team above all needs points to regain confidence. The most urgent issue remains the defence. Without reducing the number of goals conceded, even an improvement in their finishing may not be enough to turn things around. The season is still long, but the newly promoted side must start making better use of its chances.