Football Season Guide

Last season Venezia qualified for the promotion playoffs for the second time in 4 years thanks to a 5th place finish in Serie B. Unlike the previous occasion when they lost in the semifinals, they managed to return to Serie A following a series of very tight games. Almost 20 years have passed since their last participation in the top flight. Coach Paolo Zanetti has to be commended for leading them to promotion His team played a positive brand of football despite having to rely on a group of players of varying talents. The 39-year-old coach immediately attracted the attention of bigger clubs like Udinese and Sampdoria, but opted to stay on with Venezia. It remains to be seen how he will adapt to Serie A having experienced the top tier only as a player and even then for a short period. The summer saw Venezia lose just 1 of their promotion heroes: 20-year-old key central midfielder Maleh, who returned to his parent club. There are hopes that he could be back since he might not find playing opportunities at Fiorentina. Beside him, only a few back-up players departed. Knowing that they simply did not have the quality needed for survival, Venezia invested in the team. The defence and the midfield have been strengthened in particular. Centre-back Caldara is hoping to make amends for a few dull seasons most of which he spent out injured. Schnegg and Ebuehi should play at full-backs, but lack experience at this level. The same goes for midfielders Heymans and Peretz who could feature too. Venezia are still on the hunt for young blood across the board, but mainly in the midfield and the attack.