Venezia have a spring in their step heading into Saturday’s Serie B match against Spezia after seeing off derby rivals Verona in the Coppa Italia in midweek.

Giovanni Stroppa changed almost his entire starting XI for the trip to the Bentegodi and watched them hold on for a goalless draw before converting five out of five penalties in the shootout. Goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari played his part with a crucial save from Enzo Ebosse.

Attention quickly turns back to league business where the Lagunari are seeking just their second win, having drawn two and lost one of their opening four games.

Speaking after Wednesday night’s victory, Stroppa said: “The team always trains well so it was easy to give confidence to those who had played fewer minutes. It was also important to come through such an intense match without injuries.

“We need to be less timid on set pieces and in one-on-one situations, but despite that, we’re bringing home an important result that boosts morale ahead of the upcoming league fixtures.”

Spezia were also taken all the way on cup duty but they crashed out on spot-kicks following a 2-2 draw at Parma. And like Venezia, the Aquilotti have made a slow start to their league campaign.

There was hope they could build on last season’s run to the play-off final but they sit winless on two points from four outings, with only Bari and Sampdoria below them.

Boss Luca D’Angelo said: “We didn’t start the season the right way but the squad is complete. It’s up to me and the players to do what we know how. I’m confident we’ll have another excellent season this year.

“Parma is a Serie A team. You can see that in their physical structure and passing ability. Playing on par with them shows we have quality. The (cup) match confirms that we have a strong squad and that we need to work hard.”

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