Lazio Aim for Strong Start as Venezia Return to Serie A
The curtain rises on the new Serie A season with a tantalising clash at the Stadio Olimpico, as Lazio welcome back Venezia to the top flight. Marco Baroni's Lazio will be eager to make a statement after a summer of significant changes, while Venezia, under the guidance of former Roma boss Eusebio Di Francesco, face a challenging return to the Italian top tier.
Lazio's New Look
The Biancocelesti have undergone a major squad overhaul, bidding farewell to key players like Ciro Immobile, Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson. This presents a fascinating challenge for Baroni, who will be eager to see how his new-look side gels.
Injuries to Mario Gila and Nuno Tavares will see Alessio Romagnoli and Nicolo Casale anchor the defence, flanked by Manuel Lazzari and Adam Marusic. In midfield, Nicolo Rovella is tipped to start as the deep-lying playmaker, with Matteo Guendouzi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru offering support.
Upfront, Taty Castellanos leads the line, while summer signing Boulaye Dia is expected to start on the bench. Newly-appointed captain Mattia Zaccagni slots in on the left wing, with Tijjani Noslin and Gustav Isaksen vying for a place on the right flank. Noslin is considered the favourite.
Predicted Lazio Lineup (4-3-3): Provedel; Lazzari, Casale, Romagnoli, Marusic; Guendouzi, Rovella, Dele-Bashiru; Noslin, Castellanos, Zaccagni.
Venezia's Return
Venezia's return to Serie A is a welcome sight, but they face a tough task against a Lazio side brimming with ambition. Di Francesco, who will be making his return to the Olimpico, is still building his squad, with a number of transfer dealings yet to be finalised.
Injuries to Joel Pohjanpalo and Gianluca Busio, as well as the impending departure of Tanner Tessman, present challenges for the manager. Christian Gytkjaer will spearhead the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation, supported by Inter Milan academy graduate Gaetano Oristanio and Nicholas Pierini.
Predicted Venezia Lineup (3-4-2-1): Joronen; Altare, Svoboda, Sverko; Sagrado, Lella, Duncan, Zampano; Oristanio, Pierini; Gytkjaer.
A Compelling Contest
Lazio's ambition to challenge for honours this season will be put to the test against a Venezia side brimming with potential. The match promises to be a captivating encounter, with the spotlight shining brightly on both sides as they embark on new journeys. The Stadio Olimpico will be a cauldron of anticipation as the first whistle blows, signaling the start of a new Serie A season.
