Two of Serie A’s struggling sides will face off on Saturday as Venezia host Parma at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. Both teams gained promotion last season but have found life difficult in the top flight, with Venezia currently in the relegation zone and Parma just one point above them. This match represents a vital opportunity for both sides to pick up crucial points in their fight for survival.
Venezia come into this match on the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat away to champions Inter Milan last weekend. Despite putting in a spirited performance and having a late equalizer controversially ruled out by VAR, the Lagunari ultimately left San Siro empty-handed. That loss came after an impressive 3-2 comeback victory over Udinese in their previous home game, which was just their second win of the season.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s side have struggled for consistency since their promotion, winning only twice in all competitions. However, they have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and will be hoping to build on their last home performance. With 10 goals scored in 11 league matches, Venezia are actually enjoying their best scoring start to a top-flight season since 1962.
Parma, meanwhile, are winless in their last nine Serie A matches after a promising start saw them take four points from their opening two games. Their last outing ended in a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to bottom side Genoa, leaving them precariously placed just above the drop zone. Fabio Pecchia’s men have developed a habit of drawing matches, with four consecutive stalemates prior to the Genoa loss.
The Gialloblu have struggled to hold onto leads this season, dropping 12 points from winning positions already. This has been a particular issue away from home, where they have let seven points slip. Parma will be desperate to address this trend and claim a first away win of the campaign.
This match could well be decided by which team’s main attacking threat has the bigger impact. Venezia will look to Pohjanpalo to continue his excellent home scoring record – the Finn has netted 28 goals on home soil across the last three seasons in Italy’s top two divisions. His physical presence and clinical finishing will pose a major test for Parma’s backline.
For the visitors, Romanian forward Dennis Man carries their main goalscoring threat. The 25-year-old has been directly involved in five of Parma’s league goals this term and his pace and trickery could cause problems for Venezia’s defense. Whichever of these two can make the bigger impact may well decide the outcome.
Venezia boss Eusebio Di Francesco: “This is a crucial game for us against a direct rival. We’ve shown improvement in recent weeks and now we need to start picking up more points, especially at home. Parma are a dangerous side but we’ll be going all out for the win.”
Parma manager Fabio Pecchia: “We’re in a difficult moment but I still have faith in this group. We need to cut out the lapses in concentration that have cost us points, particularly away from home. A win on Saturday would be massive for our confidence and league position.”
Team News
Venezia have close to a full squad available, with midfielder Bjarki Bjarkason their only confirmed absentee. Di Francesco is likely to recall USA international Gianluca Busio to support striker Joel Pohjanpalo, who has been in fine goalscoring form at home. The Finnish forward has netted three of his four league goals at the Penzo this season.
Parma have several injury concerns to contend with. Midfielders Hernani and Adrian Bernabe are both sidelined, while young substitute Anas Haj Mohamed picked up an ankle sprain last time out. They join long-term absentee Alessandro Circati on the treatment table.
Up front, Ange-Yoan Bonny is expected to partner Dennis Man, who has been Parma’s most productive attacking player with three goals and two assists in Serie A.
Expected Starting XIs
Venezia: Stankovic; Candela, Idzes, Svoboda; Zampano, Duncan, Nicolussi Caviglia, Haps; Busio, Oristanio; Pohjanpalo
Parma: Suzuki; Coulibaly, Del Prato, Balogh, Valeri; Keita, Estevez; Man, Sohm, Mihaila; Bonny
Match Prediction
This has all the makings of a tense, closely-fought encounter between two sides desperate for points. Venezia’s home advantage could prove crucial, but Parma have shown they are a tough team to beat on the road.
Both teams have struggled defensively this season while showing flashes of quality in attack. This points towards an open, high-scoring affair. Venezia may just edge it thanks to their home support and Pohjanpalo’s scoring touch, but don’t be surprised to see the points shared.
Prediction: Venezia 2-2 Parma
