20 August 2021, 16:14 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Serie A fixture, S.S.C. Napoli vs. Venezia F.C. kicks off at 19:45 (GMT+1) on Sunday, August 22 at the Stadio San Paolo.
Preview Napoli Serie A, Aug 22, 2021
Preview Napoli will make their Serie A debut for the season against the newly-promoted side, Venezia F.C. in the opening Serie A weekend. After parting ways with Gennaro Gattuso who guided them to a 5th place finish last season, - and subsequently, without Champions League football, Gli Azzurri look to begin life under Luciano Spalletti. Napoli's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis forked out €19M to see right-winger, Matteo Politano make the summer switch from the Blues with stripes to the sea blue colours of I Partenopei. Napoli also secured the signature of centre-back, Juan Jesus on a free transfer from AS Roma. In addition, goalkeeper Davide Marfella came in from Bari on a similar arrangement. Luciano Spalletti comes with a wealth of experience after spells at Inter Milan, Roma, Udinese and Venezia (twice). Having a career total of a 50%-win rate over 27 years in the coaching seat, the 62-year-old would be looking for three points on his first day on the job. Unfortunately, he could be without centre-forward, Dries Mertens as the 34-year-old is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury. Also, Diego Demme is ruled out with a knee injury while Filippo Costa tested positive for coronavirus. An attacking 4--3--3 formation with the Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen serving as the focal point in attack is expected against Venezia. Central midfielder, Mady Camara has been linked with the possibility of joining Napoli before the end of the transfer window.
Preview Venezia Serie A, Aug 22, 2021
Preview Newcomers, Venezia F.C. finished in 5th place in Serie B last season but qualified for promotion via play-offs. On Sunday, they would be in the run for their first few points under the guidance of coach Paolo Zanetti. The 38-year-old coach will envisage a difficult task for his side, knowing Napoli could be a tough nut to crack on their day. - Most notably when they find the rhythm of possession-based football with threat from the flanks through the likes of Lorenzo Insigne. Ahead of their return to top-flight football after a 20-year absence, Venezia acquired Mattia Caldara from AC Milan on loan. They also convinced Gianluca Busio from Sporting KC to make the summer switch for €6M. Central midfielder, Tanner Tessmann also joined the ranks for €3.64M. The Nigerian, 23-year-old centre-forward David Okereke could be making his debut for the club after joining Venezia on loan. An attacking 4--3--3 formation is expected from Paolo Zanetti when Venezia make the return for their first appearance in Serie A after two decades.