Paolo Vanoli, the manager who guided Venezia back into Serie A, returns to the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Friday night with his new side, Torino, looking to maintain their impressive start to the season.
After two years away, Venezia secured promotion through the playoffs last season, but their triumph was bittersweet. Vanoli, the architect of their resurgence, opted for a new challenge in Turin, leaving the Lagunari to navigate Serie A under the stewardship of Eusebio Di Francesco.
The Granata, meanwhile, have made a blistering start under Vanoli. They have collected four points from two tough fixtures against Milan and Atalanta, and even progressed in the Coppa Italia, demonstrating the strength and stability that Vanoli has instilled in the side.
Venezia, on the other hand, have struggled to find their footing since returning to the top flight. Their lone point came against Fiorentina, a goalless draw where goalkeeper Jesse Joronen played a pivotal role.
Facing Torino, who finished in the top half last season, will be a tough test for the Venetian side. Despite being unbeaten in their last five Serie A meetings against Torino, dating back to 2022, Venezia will need a significant improvement to secure their first win of the season.
Vanoli's return to his former stomping ground will add an extra layer of intrigue to the match. He has seamlessly transitioned to Torino, filling the void left by Ivan Juric, who narrowly missed out on European qualification last season.
The Granata have shown remarkable resilience, even recovering from a late Milan equaliser to claim a stunning victory against Atalanta. Che Adams, a summer signing, has quickly become a key figure for Torino, scoring one and assisting another against Atalanta. He is likely to partner with captain Duvan Zapata in attack, with Nikola Vlasic still sidelined and Pietro Pellegri now at Empoli.
Venezia, meanwhile, are hoping for the return of their top scorer, Joel Pohjanpalo, who missed the first two Serie A matches due to a thigh injury. The Finnish striker scored 22 goals in Serie B last season and could provide a much-needed boost to their attack.
However, even with Pohjanpaloâs potential return, Di Francesco will need to find a way to overcome Torino's robust defence. The Granata have shown they are not afraid to attack and can be a formidable force, having already scored four goals against Milan and Atalanta.
This match represents a chance for Venezia to secure their first win and gain valuable confidence as they look to avoid relegation. However, Torino's momentum and their impressive start to the season suggest that they will be the team to beat.
While Venezia may be looking for redemption, a 1-2 victory for Torino seems the most likely outcome. The Granata's attacking prowess combined with a solid defence makes them the favourites, especially with the momentum they carry into this crucial match.