As the 2024-25 Serie A season enters its crucial phase, Venezia and Roma are set to clash in a pivotal match at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Sunday. This encounter pits the struggling Winged Lions against a resurgent Giallorossi side, with both teams desperate for points to achieve their respective goals.
Venezia find themselves in a precarious 19th position, deep in the relegation zone with just 16 points. The hosts are winless in their last six matches, a run that has seen them drift further from safety. Their home form offers little comfort, with only one victory in their last seven league matches at the Penzo.
Roma, under the guidance of interim coach Claudio Ranieri, have shown signs of revival. Currently sitting 9th in the table with 31 points, the Giallorossi are unbeaten in their last seven Serie A matches. However, their away form remains a concern, with only one road victory all season.
Venezia’s last outing ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat at Udinese, despite a valiant comeback attempt. The Lagunari have shown a tendency to drop points from winning positions, a trait that has cost them dearly this season.
Roma, meanwhile, come into this match on the back of a disappointing Coppa Italia exit, losing 3-1 to AC Milan in midweek. However, their league form has been more encouraging, including a hard-fought 1-1 draw against league leaders Napoli in their previous Serie A fixture.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s Venezia have shown resilience at home recently, losing just one of their last five at the Penzo. They will likely adopt a cautious approach, looking to exploit Roma’s away day struggles.
Ranieri’s Roma have found their scoring touch in recent weeks, with only Inter Milan outscoring them since the veteran coach’s return. The visitors will aim to control possession and create chances for their potent attacking lineup.
The reverse fixture in September saw Roma emerge victorious with a 2-1 comeback win at the Stadio Olimpico. Venezia will be eager to avenge that defeat and secure a crucial three points in their fight for survival.
Team News
Venezia will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Filip Stankovic due to injury, with Ionut Radu expected to deputize. The hosts will also be looking to new signing Daniel Fila to fill the void left by departed top scorer Joel Pohjanpalo.
For Roma, Artem Dovbyk is likely to return to the starting lineup after scoring in the Coppa Italia defeat. Captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and Bryan Cristante could also feature from the start. However, the Giallorossi will miss the suspended Manu Kone in midfield.
Expected Starting XIs
Venezia: Radu; Haps, Idzes, Cande; Zerbin, Perez, Nicolussi Caviglia, Busio, Ellertsson; Oristanio, Fila
Roma: Svilar; Mancini, Hummels, Ndicka; Saelemaekers, Cristante, Paredes, Angelino; Dybala, Pellegrini; Dovbyk
Match Prediction
While Venezia’s home form has improved, Roma’s overall quality and recent Serie A form make them favorites. The Giallorossi’s newfound attacking prowess under Ranieri should prove too much for Venezia’s leaky defense. Expect a closely fought contest, but Roma’s superior firepower should see them edge a 2-1 victory, further boosting their European aspirations while deepening Venezia’s relegation woes.
Prediction: Venezia 1-2 Roma
