Saint-Étienne vs Venezia: prediction and odds

The summer friendly between French side Saint-Étienne and Italian outfit Venezia promises to be a fascinating test for two clubs in very different stages of their preparations. Both have completed intense training blocks and approach this international clash with serious ambitions, eager to measure their match fitness against quality opposition.

Saint-Étienne: A Bid for Redemption

Saint-Étienne finished last season in Ligue 2 in third place, but fell short in the promotion play-offs against Nice, remaining in the second division. The Greens have been productive in their summer build-up, playing a series of friendlies that culminated in a resounding 4-0 victory over Swiss side Lausanne. Despite losses in other sparring matches—1-2 to Scottish Rangers and 0-1 to Servette—the side under new manager Ayian Catro, who took charge only at the start of July, has shown high intensity and is gradually finding its optimal connections ahead of the new Ligue 2 campaign.

Venezia: Impressive Preseason Form

Venezia enjoyed a phenomenal previous season in Serie B, winning the title with 82 points and earning direct promotion to the top flight. The club from the city on the water has carried that winning momentum into the summer, displaying remarkable attacking output. In July, the lagunari strung together a series of emphatic victories: first a 4-2 win over Dolomiti Bellunesi, then an 8-0 demolition of Vis Pesaro, and most recently a confident 3-0 triumph over Turkish champions Galatasaray. The team is in superb shape and playing powerful, attacking football.

Squad Changes and Transfers

Both clubs have been active in the transfer market, preparing for their respective elite divisions, but have also seen several players depart. Saint-Étienne underwent a significant squad overhaul after failing to win promotion. The club targeted reinforcements in midfield and goalkeeping, signing creative midfielder Ballo for €2.65 million (31 Championship appearances, 1 goal, 7 assists last season), talented midfielder Breuma for €2.2 million (28 Eredivisie games, 6 goals, 6 assists), defensive midfielder Chongwai from Swedish AIK for €1 million, and young goalkeeper Ndiaye from Norwegian Sarpsborg for €1 million. These quality additions aim to refresh the team and add depth to the bench.

Venezia, after returning to Serie A, is conducting a high-profile transfer campaign. The club made a record investment in attack, signing striker Adams from Sevilla for €16 million (32 La Liga matches, 10 goals, 3 assists) and Rahmani from Sparta Prague (29 games, 9 goals, 2 assists in the Czech league). Additionally, the visitors have acquired quality defenders: central defenders Bella-Kochapa from Verona for €7 million, Gomez, Franjic, as well as left winger Lisman and others. The squad has been heavily revamped compared to last season, so cohesion remains a pressing issue.

Match Prediction and Bet

Main Prediction: Venezia to Win Venezia have made a thunderous impression in their summer friendlies, steamrolling opponents with three wins and a combined score of 15-2, including three unanswered goals against Galatasaray. The Italian club is riding an emotional high after their Serie B triumph and possesses excellent attacking balance. Saint-Étienne, preparing for a season in Ligue 2, look less solid in their control games (one win, one draw, two losses). Current form and the visitors' firepower make them clear favourites. Prediction: Venezia win.

Total Goals Prediction: Over 3.5 Summer friendlies for both teams have been played in a very open style. Venezia have shown phenomenal attacking efficiency in the off-season, netting 15 goals in three matches. Meanwhile, their massive influx of new defenders and a goalkeeper inevitably requires time to build understanding, leaving opportunities for opponents. Saint-Étienne, for their part, scored four against Lausanne and regularly create chances, but also make defensive errors against organised sides (1-2 vs Rangers, 2-2 vs Biel). The meeting of two revamped squads with unseasoned defensive units on the training ground favours a high-scoring affair. Prediction: Total goals over 3.5.