Akor Adams: Why Venezia’s poor Serie A start has placed Nigerian striker in a tricky position

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams faces an uncertain spell at Venezia after the club dismissed head coach Giovanni Stroppa following a disastrous start to their Serie A campaign.

Venezia have lost their opening six league matches, scoring just five goals and conceding 16. With the club searching for a replacement, Davide Nicola and Paolo Zanetti are reportedly among the candidates being considered.

For Adams, the managerial change comes at a delicate time. The Nigerian striker has started all six league games but has scored only once, leaving him under pressure to deliver as Venezia attempt to rescue their season.

One Goal In Six Games Raises Questions About Akor Adams

Akor Adams’ only Serie A goal came in Venezia’s 4-2 defeat to Fiorentina on September 11. Despite receiving regular opportunities, he has not yet established himself as the consistent source of goals his team needs. He is currently underperforming his xG 2.12.

Nonetheless, Venezia’s struggles are not solely his responsibility. Their defensive problems have repeatedly left them chasing matches, while the team’s five goals in six games point to wider issues in attack.

However, Adams cannot afford to ignore his own contribution. A newly promoted side like Venezia fighting to remain in the top flight need their top 9 to convert chances and produce something from nothing, even in difficult games.

The 26-year-old has previously shown his scoring ability, registering 10 goals in 32 La Liga appearances for Sevilla last season before making his permanent move to Venezia. He has to now show that output in Italy or he could in for a roller-coaster.

Why The Coaching Change Could Affect Akor Adams

Stroppa’s departure means Adams must now convince a new manager that he deserves to remain the team’s first-choice striker.

Giovanni Stroppa relieved of his duties as First Team Head Coach. https://t.co/zg5cxMuQFX #ArancioNeroVerde 🟠⚫️🟢 https://t.co/gJl1o3xkZv

— Venezia FC (@VeneziaFC_EN) October 13, 2026

Although he has been a regular starter, things could change for worse or better when a new coach takes over.

The two coaches who have been tipped to replace Stroppa at Venezia are Davide Nicola and Paolo Zanetti, and of course, the two coaches could present different possibilities.

Nicola has experience managing clubs involved in relegation battles. He has had stints at Cremonese, Cagliari, Torino, and a few others. His appointment would suit Venezia’s immediate need for a more effective approach to securing points. Adams would need to show that he can lead the line, compete physically and make the most of limited chances.

Meanwhile, Paolo Zanetti previously managed Venezia between 2020 and 2022, including their promotion to Serie A. That means that he is already familiar witih the club, and that could help him settle quickly. But it would not guarantee Adams a starting role. Zanetti would have to decide whether the Nigerian fits his preferred attacking system.

Adams fits into both coaches’ approach to games, as they both like to operate in a compact set-up with big forwards who can hold up play and utilize every possession judiciously since they will be without the ball for most spells.

However, he would need to prove his efficacy immediately. If he does not perform, they could sign a striker in January who would displace him.