Venezia FC Squad 2024/25

Venezia FC Squad 2024/25

Venezia FC, the iconic club from the floating city of Venice, has undergone a remarkable transformation ahead of the 2024/25 season. Known for their distinctive black-and-green kits and passionate fanbase, the club has made strategic moves in the transfer market to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. This season, Venezia aims to solidify their position in Serie A while making a statement in domestic and European competitions. The squad is a blend of experienced veterans, rising stars, and shrewd acquisitions, each bringing unique qualities to the team. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the 2024/25 Venezia FC squad, categorized by position, with in-depth profiles of every player.

Goalkeepers

1. Luca Lezzerini

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Former Clubs: Livorno, Fiorentina, Venezia (youth)
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
    Luca Lezzerini remains Venezia’s first-choice goalkeeper, a position he has held since breaking into the first team. Standing at 6’4”, Lezzerini combines exceptional reflexes with commanding aerial presence. His ability to read the game and organize the defense has been pivotal in Venezia’s recent successes. Last season, he kept 12 clean sheets in Serie A, showcasing his consistency. A product of Venezia’s youth academy, Lezzerini embodies the club’s identity and has become a fan favorite.

2. Ivor Pandur

  • Nationality: Croatian
  • Former Clubs: Hajduk Split, Fortuna Sittard, Hellas Verona
  • Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (from Hellas Verona, 2023)
    Ivor Pandur joined Venezia in 2023 as a backup to Lezzerini but has proven to be a reliable option when called upon. The Croatian shot-stopper is known for his agility and quick decision-making, particularly in one-on-one situations. At 24, Pandur is still developing and has shown flashes of brilliance, including a standout performance in the Coppa Italia last season. His €2.5 million transfer from Hellas Verona is considered a bargain given his potential.

3. Marco Carnesecchi

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Former Clubs: Atalanta, Cremonese (loan), Venezia (loan)
  • Transfer Fee: €1 million (loan fee, from Atalanta, 2024)
    Marco Carnesecchi returns to Venezia on loan for the 2024/25 season after a successful spell in 2022/23. The 23-year-old Italian is highly regarded for his composure under pressure and excellent distribution. Carnesecchi’s ability to play out from the back aligns perfectly with Venezia’s possession-based style. His loan move includes an option to buy, which Venezia may exercise if he continues to impress.

Defenders

1. Ethan Ampadu

  • Nationality: Welsh
  • Former Clubs: Chelsea, RB Leipzig (loan), Sheffield United (loan), Spezia (loan)
  • Transfer Fee: €8 million (from Chelsea, 2024)
    Ethan Ampadu’s arrival from Chelsea is one of Venezia’s marquee signings this season. The versatile Welsh defender can play as a center-back or defensive midfielder, offering tactical flexibility. Ampadu’s composure on the ball, combined with his physicality and leadership, makes him a key addition to the squad. His €8 million transfer fee reflects his potential to become a cornerstone of Venezia’s defense for years to come.

2. Pietro Ceccaroni

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Former Clubs: Venezia (youth), SPAL, Pescara
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Academy graduate)
    Pietro Ceccaroni is the heart of Venezia’s defense, a homegrown talent who has risen through the ranks to become a club legend. The 28-year-old center-back is known for his aerial dominance, tactical intelligence, and unwavering commitment. Ceccaroni’s leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in Venezia’s recent rise. His loyalty to the club and consistent performances make him a fan icon.

3. Ridgeciano Haps

  • Nationality: Dutch
  • Former Clubs: AZ Alkmaar, Feyenoord, Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €3 million (from Feyenoord, 2021)
    Ridgeciano Haps continues to be a reliable presence at left-back. The Dutch defender is known for his attacking prowess, delivering pinpoint crosses and contributing to the team’s offensive play. Defensively, Haps is solid, using his pace and positioning to neutralize opposing wingers. His €3 million transfer from Feyenoord in 2021 has proven to be a shrewd investment.

4. Dennis Hadžikadunić

  • Nationality: Bosnian
  • Former Clubs: Malmö FF, Rostov, Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €4 million (from Rostov, 2023)
    Dennis Hadžikadunić joined Venezia in 2023 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the backline. The Bosnian center-back is a commanding presence, excelling in aerial duels and interceptions. His ability to play out from the back aligns with Venezia’s style, and his €4 million transfer fee is seen as a bargain given his consistent performances.

5. Antonio Candela

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Former Clubs: Roma (youth), Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: N/A (Free transfer, 2022)
    Antonio Candela is a versatile defender who can play both as a right-back and center-back. The Italian’s adaptability and work rate have made him a valuable squad player. Candela’s defensive awareness and ability to contribute offensively make him a reliable option for the manager. His free transfer from Roma’s youth system in 2022 has been a cost-effective addition.

Midfielders

1. Tanner Tessmann

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: FC Dallas, Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from FC Dallas, 2021)
    Tanner Tessmann has been a revelation since joining Venezia in 2021. The American midfielder is a dynamic box-to-box player, known for his energy, passing range, and ability to score from distance. Tessmann’s development has been rapid, and he is now considered one of the most promising young midfielders in Serie A. His €1.5 million transfer fee is a testament to Venezia’s excellent scouting network.

2. Gianluca Busio

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Sporting Kansas City, Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €6 million (from Sporting Kansas City, 2021)
    Gianluca Busio is the creative engine of Venezia’s midfield. The American playmaker is known for his vision, technical ability, and set-piece expertise. Busio’s ability to dictate the tempo of the game and unlock defenses with his passing has made him indispensable. His €6 million transfer fee in 2021 was a club record at the time, but he has more than justified the investment.

3. Domen Črnigoj

  • Nationality: Slovenian
  • Former Clubs: Krasnodar, Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Krasnodar, 2022)
    Domen Črnigoj is a versatile midfielder who can play in both defensive and attacking roles. The Slovenian’s work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to break up play have made him a key contributor. Črnigoj’s €2 million transfer from Krasnodar in 2022 has proven to be a smart piece of business.

4. Michael Folorunsho

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Former Clubs: Napoli, Bari (loan), Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €3.5 million (from Napoli, 2023)
    Michael Folorunsho joined Venezia in 2023 after impressing on loan at Bari. The Italian midfielder is a powerful presence in the center of the park, known for his physicality and ability to drive forward with the ball. Folorunsho’s €3.5 million transfer fee reflects his potential to become a mainstay in Venezia’s midfield.

Forwards

1. Andrija Novakovich

  • Nationality: American
  • Former Clubs: Reading, Fortuna Sittard, Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €2 million (from Fortuna Sittard, 2021)
    Andrija Novakovich is Venezia’s target man, a towering striker known for his hold-up play and aerial ability. The American forward has been a consistent goal scorer since joining the club, netting 15 goals in all competitions last season. His €2 million transfer fee from Fortuna Sittard in 2021 has been a bargain given his contributions.

2. Francesco Di Mariano

  • Nationality: Italian
  • Former Clubs: Palermo, Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (from Palermo, 2022)
    Francesco Di Mariano is a versatile forward who can play on the wing or as a second striker. The Italian is known for his dribbling skills, creativity, and eye for goal. Di Mariano’s €1.5 million transfer fee from Palermo in 2022 has been a cost-effective addition to Venezia’s attack.

3. Joel Pohjanpalo

  • Nationality: Finnish
  • Former Clubs: Bayer Leverkusen, Union Berlin (loan), Venezia
  • Transfer Fee: €3 million (from Bayer Leverkusen, 2023)
    Joel Pohjanpalo joined Venezia in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite. The Finnish striker is a clinical finisher, known for his movement and ability to score from difficult angles. Pohjanpalo’s €3 million transfer fee from Bayer Leverkusen has been justified by his goal-scoring exploits.

Conclusion

The 2024/25 Venezia FC Squad is a testament to the club’s ambitious vision and strategic planning. With a mix of homegrown talent, experienced professionals, and exciting new signings, the team is well-equipped to compete on multiple fronts. The blend of youth and experience, coupled with the tactical acumen of the coaching staff, promises an exciting season ahead. As Venezia continues to build on its rich history, the 2024/25 campaign could be a defining chapter in the club’s journey. Fans can look forward to a team that embodies passion, skill, and the spirit of Venice.