Venezia FC Forwards 2024/25
Venezia FC, the historic club from the enchanting city of Venice, has always been a symbol of passion, resilience, and artistic football. As the 2024/25 season approaches, the club’s forward line promises to be a blend of youthful exuberance, seasoned experience, and tactical versatility. The attacking department is crucial for any team aiming to compete at the highest level, and Venezia’s management has invested wisely to assemble a group of forwards capable of delivering goals, creativity, and excitement. This post delves into the current forwards of Venezia FC, providing an in-depth look at their backgrounds, strengths, and what they bring to the team.
1. Gianluca Busio
Gianluca Busio, the American attacking midfielder who often operates as a forward, has become a key figure in Venezia’s setup. 
Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, Busio joined Venezia in 2021 from Sporting Kansas City for a reported fee of €6.5 million. His technical prowess, vision, and ability to link play between midfield and attack have made him a fan favorite. Standing at 5’9”, Busio is not the most physically imposing player, but his low center of gravity and quick feet allow him to navigate tight spaces with ease. He has represented the United States national team multiple times, showcasing his ability to perform on the international stage. Busio’s versatility enables him to play as a false nine, a second striker, or even drift wide to create overloads. His work rate and tactical intelligence make him an invaluable asset for Venezia’s dynamic attacking system.
2. Joel Pohjanpalo
Joel Pohjanpalo, the Finnish striker, has been a revelation since joining Venezia. Born in Helsinki, Pohjanpalo began his career at HJK Helsinki before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2013. After several loan spells, including stints at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Hamburger SV, he signed permanently for Venezia in 2022 for €2.5 million. Pohjanpalo is a classic number nine, known for his aerial ability, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement in the box. Standing at 6’1”, he is a constant threat during set-pieces and has a knack for scoring crucial goals. His experience in top European leagues has brought a level of maturity to Venezia’s attack, making him a reliable option in high-pressure situations. Pohjanpalo’s leadership qualities and dedication to the club’s cause have endeared him to the Venetian faithful.
3. Andrija Novakovich
Andrija Novakovich, another American forward in Venezia’s ranks, brings a unique blend of physicality and technical skill to the team. Born in Muskego, Wisconsin, Novakovich began his career at Reading FC before embarking on loan spells across Europe, including Telstar in the Netherlands and Frosinone in Italy. He joined Venezia in 2021 for a nominal fee and has since established himself as a dependable option in attack. Standing at 6’4”, Novakovich is a towering presence who excels in hold-up play and bringing teammates into the game. His ability to shield the ball and distribute it effectively makes him a valuable asset in build-up play. Novakovich’s international experience with the United States national team has further honed his skills, and he continues to be a key contributor for Venezia.
4. Francesco Di Mariano
Francesco Di Mariano, the Italian winger, is a product of Venezia’s youth academy and has risen through the ranks to become a first-team regular. Born in Palermo, Di Mariano joined Venezia in 2018 after spells at Palermo and Pescara. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal make him a constant threat on the flanks. Di Mariano’s versatility allows him to play on either wing or as a supporting striker, providing tactical flexibility for the manager. Despite his relatively small stature, he is tenacious in duels and possesses a keen sense of positioning. Di Mariano’s commitment to the club and his ability to deliver in crucial moments have made him a fan favorite. His development over the years is a testament to Venezia’s emphasis on nurturing homegrown talent.
5. Thomas Henry
Thomas Henry, the French striker, has been a consistent performer for Venezia since his arrival in 2021. Born in Liévin, France, Henry began his career in the lower leagues of French football before making a name for himself at Tubize in Belgium. He later joined Leuven, where his prolific goal-scoring form caught the attention of Venezia, who signed him for €2 million. Standing at 6’5”, Henry is a dominant aerial presence and a nightmare for defenders in the box. His physicality, combined with his intelligent movement and finishing ability, makes him a complete forward. Henry’s journey from obscurity to becoming a key player in Serie A is an inspiring story of perseverance and hard work. His contributions have been instrumental in Venezia’s recent successes.
6. Ridgeciano Haps
Ridgeciano Haps, the Dutch winger, is another versatile forward in Venezia’s squad. Born in Amsterdam, Haps began his career at AZ Alkmaar before moving to Feyenoord, where he gained recognition for his attacking prowess. He joined Venezia in 2021 for €3.5 million and has since been a reliable option on the left flank. Haps is known for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive work rate, making him a well-rounded player. His experience in top European leagues has brought a level of composure to Venezia’s attack, and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively makes him a valuable asset. Haps’ dedication to the team and his consistent performances have solidified his place in the starting lineup.
7. Mattia Aramu
Mattia Aramu, the Italian attacking midfielder, often operates as a forward for Venezia. Born in Genoa, Aramu began his career at Genoa before moving to Torino and later joining Venezia in 2019. His creativity, vision, and ability to score from distance make him a unique threat in the final third. Aramu’s technical skills and flair have made him a standout player in Serie A, and his ability to unlock defenses with precise passes and clever movement is a key component of Venezia’s attacking play. Despite facing stiff competition for places, Aramu has consistently delivered when called upon, earning the respect of teammates and fans alike. His passion for the game and commitment to the club’s philosophy make him an integral part of the squad.
8. David Okereke
David Okereke, the Nigerian forward, is one of Venezia’s most exciting talents. Born in Lagos, Okereke began his career at Spezia before moving to Club Brugge in Belgium. He joined Venezia in 2021 on loan, with the deal later made permanent for €7 million. Okereke’s blistering pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him a constant threat on the counter-attack. Standing at 6’0”, he combines physicality with technical ability, making him a nightmare for defenders. Okereke’s performances have earned him recognition on the international stage, and he continues to be a key player for Venezia. His potential and room for growth make him one of the most promising forwards in the squad.
9. Dennis Johnsen
Dennis Johnsen, the Norwegian winger, is another exciting addition to Venezia’s forward line. Born in Oslo, Johnsen began his career at Heerenveen in the Netherlands before moving to Ajax. He joined Venezia in 2021 for €1.5 million and has since impressed with his pace, dribbling, and work rate. Johnsen’s ability to play on either flank provides tactical flexibility, and his willingness to track back and defend makes him a valuable asset in both phases of the game. Despite his young age, Johnsen has shown maturity and composure on the ball, earning the trust of the coaching staff. His potential and dedication to improving make him a player to watch in the coming seasons.
10. Michael Svoboda
Michael Svoboda, the Austrian forward, is a relatively new addition to Venezia’s squad. Born in Vienna, Svoboda began his career at Rapid Vienna before moving to Austria Wien. He joined Venezia in 2023 for €1.2 million and has quickly adapted to the demands of Serie A. Svoboda’s physicality, aerial ability, and finishing make him a reliable option in attack. His work ethic and team-first mentality have endeared him to the fans, and his ability to contribute in various roles makes him a valuable squad player. Svoboda’s journey to Venezia is a testament to his determination and desire to succeed at the highest level.
Conclusion
Venezia FC’s forward line for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experience, youth, and versatility. Each player brings unique qualities to the team, ensuring that the club has the firepower to compete in Serie A and beyond. From the clinical finishing of Joel Pohjanpalo to the explosive pace of David Okereke, Venezia’s forwards are capable of thrilling fans and delivering results. As the new season approaches, the club’s attacking department looks poised to play a pivotal role in their quest for success. With a mix of homegrown talent and shrewd signings, Venezia FC continues to build a team that embodies the spirit and passion of the city it represents.