Lazio to Dominate Venezia in Serie A Opener
Lazio face newly-promoted Venezia at Stadio Olimpico on Sunday in their first Serie A match of the 2024-25 season. The encounter marks a fresh start for both clubs, each under new management following a tumultuous summer.
A New Era for Lazio
Lazio's disappointing finish last season, despite their runner-up position in 2023, led to the departure of manager Maurizio Sarri and his successor, Igor Tudor. The club has now appointed Marco Baroni, a less-than-popular choice for Lazio fans, to lead the team into the post-Ciro Immobile era.
Immobile, Lazio's talisman, has moved to Turkish giants Besiktas after a year marred by injuries and a dip in form. His exit, coupled with the departures of other high-earning players like Luis Alberto and Felipe Anderson, has created a void in the Biancocelesti's attack. However, the club has strengthened its midfield with the arrivals of Tijjani Noslin and Loum Tchaouna.
Lazio's pre-season campaign was promising, with four wins and two draws, culminating in a 1-0 victory over Cadiz. This suggests they are well-prepared for the new season and ready to face their newly-promoted opponents.
Venezia's Return to Serie A
Venezia's return to Serie A comes after a two-year absence, earned through a thrilling playoff campaign. Their impressive run to the top of Serie B, culminating in a decisive victory over Cremonese, saw them narrowly miss automatic promotion. However, the departure of manager Paolo Vanoli, who accepted a position at Torino, prompted the appointment of Eusebio Di Francesco.
Di Francesco, with a history of managing Roma and unsuccessful stints at Cagliari and Hellas Verona, will be hoping for a more positive campaign. His Venezia side showed early promise in pre-season, winning four out of six games. However, a 3-1 defeat to Brescia in the Coppa Italia last weekend cast a shadow over their preparations for their return to the top flight.
Team News and Possible Lineups
Lazio's attack will be led by Taty Castellanos, who aims to improve on his four-goal tally from last season. The Argentinian forward will be partnered with the new club captain, Mattia Zaccagni. The newly signed Boulaye Dia from Salernitana is also in contention for a starting spot.
Venezia, meanwhile, will be without their top scorer from last season, Joel Pohjanpalo, who is sidelined with a thigh injury. This leaves Nicholas Pierini and Christian Gytkjaer as the likely starting strikers. American midfielder Tanner Tessmann, linked with a move to either Fiorentina or Inter Milan, is unavailable, while Gianluca Busio is ruled out until September due to injury.
Prediction
Lazio are expected to dominate the match against Venezia, having performed better during pre-season and boasting a stronger squad on paper. The last time the two teams met, Lazio secured victories both home and away. Given Venezia's disappointing cup loss last weekend, they will face a difficult task at Stadio Olimpico. The prediction is for a comfortable 2-0 win for Lazio.
