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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Nicky Bandini

Houdini act in Venice leaves Massimiliano Allegri searching for an escape at Napoli

Massimiliano Allegri grimaces during the Serie A match between Venezia and Napoli match
A grimace from Massimiliano Allegri during his side’s defeat against Venezia. Photograph: Davide Casentini/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

“I’ll love you even if you win,” promised the Venezia supporter’s banner. More gallows humour from a fanbase that proved long ago that its relationship with the club could survive a defeat. They had endured six already in the first six rounds of this Serie A season: the only team in the division without a win or even a single point.

The last time they were in Serie A, in 2024-25, Venezia finished 19th. The time before that, in 2021-22, they finished bottom. Deja vu all over again? A 3-1 defeat by Atalanta in the first game back after this month’s international break pushed Venezia to breaking point. The club fired the manager Giovanni Stroppa, who had led them to the Serie B title and promotion the previous season.

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