Venezia is determined to prove itself after a challenging stint in Serie A that ended with relegation in the 2021-22 season. The team’s new head coach, Eusebio Di Francesco, who also faced relegation last season with Frosinone, is eager to lead a revival in the top flight. After a successful campaign in Serie B, where they lifted the playoff trophy against Cremonese, it’s clear that the squad needs significant reinforcements to compete effectively in Serie A.
So far, the transfer market has not brought any major changes. Venezia has only made two signings: midfielder Duncan, who was a free agent after leaving Fiorentina, and attacking midfielder Oristanio, who moved from Inter after a loan spell at Cagliari. Currently, this leaves fantasy football enthusiasts in a bit of a quandary, as it’s hard to predict who will be regular starters and who will take on free-kick and penalty duties.
A common saying goes that a proven goalscorer can find the net at any level. Finnish striker Joel Pohjanpalo, who scored 19 and 22 goals in the last two Serie B seasons, is confident he can make an impact in Serie A as well. The 25-year-old, whose father Alessandro played primarily for Udinese in Serie A, will make his mark after three brief appearances for Sassuolo during the 2017-18 season. He is a versatile forward capable of replicating his previous success, alongside Nicholas Pierini, who scored 5 goals and provided 6 assists last season.
Watch out for right-back Antonio Candela as well, who contributed with 6 assists in Serie B. The team is likely to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring Joronen in goal; Idzes, Svoboda, and Sverko in defense; a midfield of Candela, Busio, Jajalo, and Zampano; with Oristanio and Pierini supporting Pohjanpalo up front. The team is still deciding on key positions, such as whether to start Busio or Duncan and Jajalo or Tessmann. When it comes to set pieces, Pohjanpalo and Gytkjær are the designated penalty takers, with Tessmann and Oristanio lined up for free-kicks.
