The Serie A calendar brings yet another exciting fixture as Venezia hosts Napoli at the iconic Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Venezia, fighting to establish themselves as a solid top flight side even as they face a tough relegation fight, will take on a Napoli team looking to compete to regain their top position in the league. This clash of two sides at the very extreme ends of the Serie A table promises to deliver drama, intensity, and quality football.
Since earning promotion back to Serie A, Venezia has shown some resilience despite the challenges of competing against Italy’s elite. Managed by a tactically astute head coach, Eusebio Di Francesco the team has embraced a hard working, counter attacking style of play that has served them well in key matches. However, Venezia’s fight for survival remains an uphill battle, and securing points against a strong side like Napoli will require a near flawless performance.
The home side’s attack revolves around their talisman, Joel Pohjanpalo, whose physical presence and finishing make him Venezia’s main threat in front of goal. Pohjanpalo has been the focal point of Venezia’s attack, and his ability to hold up play while bringing his teammates into action will be critical against Napoli’s organized defence, that will surely be as tight as possible as you would expect from an Antonio Conte coached side.
On the flanks, Gaetano Oristiano and Gianluca Busio add speed and creativity. Oristiano’s ability to beat his marker one on one and deliver dangerous crosses has been a major asset, while Busio’s technical ability and versatility provide Venezia with an extra creative spark.
In midfield, Hans Niclolussi Caviglia and Magnus Kofod Andersen are tasked with balancing defensive responsibilities with pushing the ball forward. Caviglia, in particular, has grown into his role as a box to box midfielder, capable of disrupting opponents’ play and changing quickly into attack.
Defensively, Venezia will look to Jay Idzes and Micheal Svoboda to keep Napoli’s dangerous attack at bay. The duo will need to be alert and disciplined, as any lapse in concentration could prove costly. Goalkeeper Jesse Joronen has also been an important figure in the team, pulling off crucial saves to keep Venezia alive in tight and difficult matches.
For Venezia, this fixture presents a huge challenge but also an opportunity to underline their credentials as a proper Serie A team capable of pulling off surprises and a team capable of getting out of the bottom of the table. They are currently 20th with just 10 points but they find themselves within reach of safety, and they could continue that journey against former league champions, Napoli. Venezia has already gotten points from another giant (Juventus) so they will be confident in their abilities. Their fans are excited with their presence in the league and they will be in their numbers to fill up the stadium in order to shut down the away support and cheer their side. For them to be able to do this, they will need to purchase Venezia tickets from an online resale store.
Napoli enter this match as clear favorites, with the former Serie A champions beginning to display the quality and consistency that defined their previous league success. Under the world class coaching of Antonio Conte, and although they have lost their invincibility in the league this season, Napoli has remained one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the country while also maintaining their defensive shape.
The heart of Napoli’s attack lies in legendary striker, Romelu Lukaku, who has had a career nothing short of sensational. Lukaku’s strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, and he will be the primary goal threat against Venezia. Partnering him is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian winger whose dribbling skills, technical ability, and eye for goal have lit up Serie A since his arrival.
Napoli’s midfield trio, featuring Stanislav Lobotka, Scott Mctominay, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa provides the perfect blend of energy, control, and attacking intent. Lobotka’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and link the defence with attack is crucial, while Mctominay offers late runs into the box and has a keen eye for goal. Zambo Anguissa adds steel and physicality, breaking up play and covering every blade of grass.
Defensively, Napoli’s backline has been one of the best in the league. The pairing of Amir Rrahmani and Alessandro Buogiorno has provided stability, while fullbacks Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Mathías Olivera offer support in attack while constantly tracking back for defence. Goalkeeper Alex Meret has also been in fine form, often stepping up when needed and making good saves.
Napoli’s ability to dominate possession, press high, and create chances at will makes them the overwhelming favorites in this encounter. However, they must remain focused and avoid complacency against a Venezia side with almost nothing to lose.
Match tickets
The Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo is one of the most unique venues in Serie A, located on the water in Venice. With a capacity of just over 11,000, tickets for this match are in high demand as local fans look forward to seeing their team take on one of Italy’s biggest clubs.
Venezia vs Napoli tickets can be purchased through Venezia’s official website or authorized ticketing platforms. Napoli fans traveling to Venice will also have a designated away section, and a large contingent is expected to make the trip to support their team.
Team news
Venezia XI: Joronen; Idzes, Svoboda, Sverko, Zamano; Andersen, Caviglia, Busio; Ellertsson Pohjanpalo, Oristiano
Napoli XI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buogiorno, Olivera; Lobotka, Zambo Anguissa, Mctominay; Kvaratskhelia, Lukaku, Politano
Prediction
Venezia will look to frustrate Napoli by staying compact and hitting on the counterattack. However, Napoli’s quality and attacking firepower make them heavy favorites.
While Venezia will fight hard and could score through their striker or a set-piece, Napoli’s superiority in all areas of the pitch should see them come out on top.
Venezia 1-3 Napoli
