Akor Adams targets Napoli goal as Venezia begin Davide Nicola era

Venezia striker Akor Adams is aiming to mark Davide Nicola’s first match in charge with a goal when his side face SSC Napoli in Serie A on Saturday.

The Nigeria international is expected to lead Venezia’s attack as they seek to end a run of six consecutive defeats and begin their fight to move away from the bottom of the table.

Adams, who previously played for Montpellier and Sevilla, and his team-mates officially welcomed Nicola as their new manager on Wednesday. The 53-year-old has replaced Giovanni Stroppa, whose final match in charge was Monday’s 3-1 defeat by Atalanta.

The change comes with Venezia still without a point from their six Serie A matches this season. They are at the foot of the table, four points behind second-bottom Fiorentina.

A report by Tribal Football said: “The promoted side are without a point in six Serie A matches this season and have turned to the 53-year-old, who had been without a job since leaving Cremonese in March.

“Venezia are rooted to the foot of the table, four points behind second-bottom Fiorentina, following a 3-1 loss at Atalanta on Monday (which was) Stroppa’s final game in charge.”

Nicola arrives with a reputation for guiding teams away from trouble in the Italian top flight. He previously achieved survival campaigns with Crotone, Genoa, Torino and Salernitana.

Adams will now hope to give his new manager the ideal start by scoring against Napoli and helping Venezia secure a positive result. The fixture represents Nicola’s first opportunity to revive a season that has begun with six successive league losses.

For Adams, the contest also offers a chance to lead the response on the pitch as Venezia adjust to a new manager and attempt to collect their first Serie A points of the campaign.