Nicola signed a deal running through the 2027-28 season and starts work on Thursday, 15 October, according to the club.
After six matches Venezia have scored five goals and conceded 16, and ANSA notes no side on zero points after six rounds has ever avoided relegation in Serie A history.
Nicola's first match is at home to Napoli, coached by Max Allegri, on Saturday, 17 October at 15:00.
Nicola kept Crotone up in 2017 and Salernitana up in 2022 after arriving with 13 points, and he kept Empoli up on the final matchday against Roma in 2024.
Venezia have appointed Davide Nicola as head coach, replacing Giovanni Stroppa, who was sacked after the defeat to Atalanta on Monday, 12 October. That loss was Venezia's sixth in as many Serie A matches. Nicola, 53, has signed a two-year contract through the 2027-28 season and starts work on Thursday, 15 October. He had been released from his contract with Cremonese, which dismissed him in March. Venezia also brought in Manuele Cacicia as technical collaborator, Gabriele Stoppino as athletic trainer and Lorenzo Squizzi as goalkeeping coach.
In a club statement, Nicola explained why he chose the Venetian side.
“I chose Venezia because I see a long-term vision, a strong desire to build something meaningful, and significant opportunities for growth at this club.”
Nicola said he felt wanted by the club, and he credited director Antonelli, whom he already knew, with playing a decisive role in his decision. He also said he had seen positive chemistry among the players in the opening matches. He added that he wants his work to be remembered for moments that last, and that this goal has to be reached together with the supporters.
Venezia sit bottom of Serie A on zero points after six matches, having scored five goals and conceded 16.
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ANSA notes that no side on zero points after six rounds has ever avoided relegation in Serie A history, a hurdle Nicola now faces. His first match in charge is a home game against Napoli, coached by Max Allegri, on Saturday, 17 October at 15:00. AP reports that Napoli, Inter Milan and Como come in three of Venezia's next four matches.
Nicola's reputation rests on rescues carried out after taking over in mid-season. In 2017 he kept Crotone up on the final matchday, and in 2020 he rescued Genoa after it had climbed from the bottom of the table. He took Torino to safety in 2021 and, in 2022, saved Salernitana after arriving with only 13 points. In 2024 he kept Empoli up on the final matchday against Roma, and he then guided Cagliari to survival in the 2024-25 season.
After the Crotone survival he cycled 1,300 kilometres (800 miles) from Crotone to his hometown of Vigone, outside Turin. After saving Salernitana, he walked more than 280 kilometres (174 miles) from Salerno to Rome to visit the Vatican and meet Pope Francis.
According to ANSA, Nicola has only 48 hours to prepare for the Napoli match and begins working with the squad on Thursday. He framed his task in simple terms.
“I have an immense desire to get back out on the pitch and achieve our goal of securing survival.”
Nicola also described his own enthusiasm and hunger for success as he takes charge. The first test under his command is the home match against Napoli on Saturday, 17 October, at 15:00.
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Venezia hired Davide Nicola on Wednesday, 14 October, to replace Giovanni Stroppa. The club has taken no points from six Serie A matches and sits bottom of the table with five goals scored and 16 conceded.
AI text based on reports by AP NEWS, La Repubblica.it, ANSA.it and other publishers. Changed .