Venezia seek first points after squad returns ahead of Atalanta trip

Venezia have recovered several players during the break, but Giovanni Stroppa’s side return to Serie A still without a point after five matches. Their next test is Monday’s trip to Atalanta, where the coach wants the improvement he has seen in training to show up in the results.

Stroppa said the returning players helped Venezia work particularly well in the final week of the pause. Training focused on consolidating and improving the team’s existing play, while friendlies—including one in Croatia—gave him a chance to rotate and assess the squad. Those matches also helped players who had featured less build confidence and awareness, he said.

The coach pointed to Venezia’s performance against Lazio as evidence that the team’s identity has grown. Lazio are third with 13 points from five games. Stroppa said he was satisfied with Venezia’s performances, but was clear about the areas that need work: scoring goals and avoiding them. The side have lost all five league matches and have a goal difference of minus nine.

Atalanta bring a different challenge. Stroppa described them as a team of quality and said their league position does not reflect the performances they have produced. Venezia, he said, must work collectively on key moments and details while staying alert to Atalanta’s individual talent.

Stroppa also said he feels strong backing from his players, the club and supporters. He sees daily improvement in the squad’s attitude, character and technical level, even as the players remain disappointed by their place in the table. Those returning from international duty, he added, came back motivated.

Venezia visit Atalanta at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Monday, 12 October, with kick-off at 18:30 CEST. The break has given Stroppa more options and time to work with the group. Now Venezia need to turn that progress into their first points of the season.