

Venezia kicked off their preseason preparations with a narrow but encouraging 1-0 victory over Serie D side AC Dolomiti Bellunesi in an International Club Friendly played on July 19, 2026. The match, held behind closed doors at the club's training ground, served as an early fitness test for the Lagunari as they build toward the upcoming Serie B campaign.
Match Overview
The single goal of the contest came in the first half, with Venezia dominating possession but facing a stubborn Dolomiti defense. The winning strike was crafted by a trialist forward who latched onto a through ball and slotted past the Bellunesi goalkeeper. The second half saw a host of substitutions from both sides, disrupting the rhythm but allowing the coaching staff to evaluate squad depth.
Preseason Context
For Venezia, the friendly marked the first fixture of their summer schedule. Head coach had used the match to experiment with formations, rotating between a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 across the 90 minutes. The clean sheet will please the defensive unit, which featured a mix of returning starters and new signings trialists.
AC Dolomiti Bellunesi, competing in the fourth tier, showed organization and resilience. They nearly equalized late in the second half when a long-range effort forced a sharp save from Venezia's backup goalkeeper. The visitors' physical approach tested Venezia's fitness levels, providing a useful gauge for the hosts' conditioning.
Standout Players
- Venezia's left-back – Delivered several dangerous crosses and worked tirelessly up and down the flank, creating the best chances.
- Dolomiti's central midfielder – Broke up play effectively and distributed passes with composure, standing out despite the loss.
What It Means for Venezia
Though friendlies rarely tell the full story, the win provides a confidence boost as Venezia continues to integrate new arrivals and sharpen match sharpness. The club will face stronger opposition in subsequent friendlies, with matches planned against higher-tier Italian and international sides. This first outing suggests the team is building solid foundations for the season ahead.
Looking Ahead
Venezia’s next preseason fixture is scheduled for later in the week, while AC Dolomiti Bellunesi will return to their own training camp to continue preparations for the upcoming Serie D season. Fans will be keen to see how the squad evolves in the coming weeks.