Stroppa on Venezia future: ‘You shouldn’t ask me’ as Zanetti and Nicola circle

FolioPitch.com – 13 October 2026 | Giovanni Stroppa‘s tenure as Venezia head coach is under intense scrutiny after a 3-1 home defeat to Atalanta on Monday left the Lagunari without a single point from their opening six Serie A matches. The pressure is mounting, and when asked about his future, Stroppa on Venezia future You shouldn t ask me as Zanetti and Nicola circle responded bluntly: “Trust? You shouldn’t ask me. The results are penalising us. I work for what I can give the team, and they look very lively to me. We’re getting important players back. I think I’ve done my job to the best of my ability, and I take full responsibility. I see how the team works, and it deserves much more.”

Stroppa, who led Venezia back to Serie A as Serie B champions last season, finds himself in a precarious position. According to reports, the club could give him one last chance against Napoli, but former Venezia boss Paolo Zanetti and relegation specialist Davide Nicola are already being mentioned as possible replacements. Zanetti knows the club well, having guided Venezia to promotion in 2021, and his assistant was spotted in the stands during the Atalanta defeat. Nicola, renowned for his great escapes with several clubs, has also been linked with the job.

The match itself was a microcosm of Venezia’s season: a disastrous start saw them 2-0 down inside six minutes and 3-1 behind at half-time. However, the second half showed promise, with the team hitting the woodwork twice and having a goal disallowed for offside. That spirited display is likely what Stroppa refers to when he insists the team deserves more than its results suggest. “Regardless of what the decision is, I thank the club for their trust,” Stroppa said in his post-match press conference. “Clearly decisions have to be made, but I’m convinced this team can pick itself up through daily work. I can sense positivity in the lads, and we have to keep going.”

The speculation surrounding Stroppa on Venezia future You shouldn t ask me as Zanetti and Nicola circle has intensified in recent days. With Venezia rooted to the bottom of the table, the club’s hierarchy may feel compelled to act swiftly to avoid an immediate return to Serie B. Zanetti’s previous success with the club makes him an attractive option, while Nicola’s track record of saving teams from relegation could be exactly what Venezia need. Both candidates are currently without a club and would be available immediately.

Stroppa’s achievements last season were significant, but the step up to Serie A has proven challenging. The team has shown flashes of quality, particularly in the second half against Atalanta, but defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge have been costly. The upcoming fixture against Napoli, one of the strongest sides in the league, could be a make-or-break moment for the coach. If Venezia fail to secure a positive result, the board may decide that a change is necessary to spark a revival.

In the meantime, Stroppa remains defiant, focusing on the daily work and the positivity he sees in the squad. “I can sense positivity in the lads, and we have to keep going,” he reiterated. The coming days will reveal whether the club shares that optimism or opts for a new direction. One thing is certain: the Stroppa on Venezia future You shouldn t ask me as Zanetti and Nicola circle saga is far from over, and the next chapter could be written very soon.

As Venezia prepare for their crucial clash with Napoli, the spotlight will remain firmly on Stroppa. The coach has thanked the club for their trust, but in football, trust is often measured in results. With Zanetti and Nicola waiting in the wings, the pressure is on. Whether Stroppa can turn the tide or whether the club will opt for a change, the decision will have significant implications for Venezia’s Serie A survival hopes.

In conclusion, Giovanni Stroppa’s future at Venezia hangs by a thread, with the club yet to record a point this season. Despite his belief that the team deserves more, the looming presence of Paolo Zanetti and Davide Nicola suggests that the board is considering alternatives. The next match against Napoli could be decisive, and all eyes will be on whether Stroppa can inspire a turnaround or whether the club will choose a new path. For now, the coach remains focused on the daily work, but the clock is ticking.