Saint-Étienne vs Venezia 01.08.2026 4:3: Score, Result & Match Stats
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Match statistics: Saint-Étienne vs Venezia
💡 Match preview Saint-Étienne vs Venezia
By Kelechi Balogun — Football expert specializing in European and American leagues
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.
Kelechi Balogun is a football expert with a focus on the Virslīga, Úrvalsdeild, MLS All-Star Game, and youth championships. He has been analyzing these leagues for over a decade, paying close attention to team form, squad rotations, and tactical adjustments. His approach to predictions is based on statistical data, including shot accuracy and fixture congestion, rather than subjective opinions.
All articles by this author →The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Predictions for Saint-Étienne vs Venezia
Venice is in excellent form and clearly the stronger side. I’m confident they’ll win this match.
I'm confident France will perform at least as well as their opponents, especially with home advantage on their side. This is a straightforward call based on their consistent quality and the boost of playing in front of their own fans.
Venice can absolutely play the French at their own game—slow, defensive, and grinding out a 0-0. I’m backing the Italians to lock it down and frustrate the opposition into a stalemate. That’s the bet, plain and simple.
I'm confident the teams will combine for two goals in the first half. The match setup suggests an open start with both sides pushing for early advantage, making this outcome highly likely.
I'm predicting a 2-1 win for Venezia over Saint-Étienne in today's friendly. The Italian side has been sharp in preseason, most recently thrashing Galatasaray 3-0, while the French team is still building chemistry under a new coach and looks shaky at the back.
I believe the coaches will use this match to test their lineups and experiment with different combinations, so I don't expect a high-scoring affair. With both sides likely prioritizing rotation and tactical tweaks over all-out attack, the game should stay tight and controlled. I'm confident we won't see many goals here.
Result: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Venice is in excellent form and clearly the stronger side. I’m confident they’ll win this match.
I'm predicting a 2-1 win for Venezia over Saint-Étienne in today's friendly. The Italian side has been sharp in preseason, most recently thrashing Galatasaray 3-0, while the French team is still building chemistry under a new coach and looks shaky at the back.
Over: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
I'm confident the teams will combine for two goals in the first half. The match setup suggests an open start with both sides pushing for early advantage, making this outcome highly likely.
Under: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Venice can absolutely play the French at their own game—slow, defensive, and grinding out a 0-0. I’m backing the Italians to lock it down and frustrate the opposition into a stalemate. That’s the bet, plain and simple.
I believe the coaches will use this match to test their lineups and experiment with different combinations, so I don't expect a high-scoring affair. With both sides likely prioritizing rotation and tactical tweaks over all-out attack, the game should stay tight and controlled. I'm confident we won't see many goals here.
Handicap: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
I'm confident France will perform at least as well as their opponents, especially with home advantage on their side. This is a straightforward call based on their consistent quality and the boost of playing in front of their own fans.
Match poster
❓ Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Saint-Étienne vs Venezia match?
The match is a Club Friendly scheduled for August 1, 2026, at 17:00. The specific venue is not mentioned in the review.
What is the main prediction for this friendly?
The main prediction is a Venezia win, as they have been dominant in preseason with three wins and a 15-2 goal aggregate, while Saint-Étienne have been less consistent.
Who is the favorite and why?
Venezia are the clear favorites due to their impressive preseason form, including a 3-0 win over Galatasaray, and their attacking firepower. Saint-Étienne, preparing for Ligue 2, have shown less solidity.
What is the over/under goals prediction?
The prediction is over 3.5 total goals, as both teams have played open friendlies with high scoring—Venezia scored 15 in three matches and Saint-Étienne netted four against Lausanne—while defensive cohesion is lacking.
How have the teams performed in recent friendlies?
Saint-Étienne have one win (4-0 vs Lausanne), one draw, and two losses. Venezia have three wins: 4-2 vs Dolomiti Bellunesi, 8-0 vs Vis Pesaro, and 3-0 vs Galatasaray.
What are the key squad changes for both teams?
Saint-Étienne signed midfielders Ballo and Breuma, plus others, after a squad overhaul. Venezia made big investments in striker Adams (€16m from Sevilla) and defender Bella-Kochapa, but both teams have many new players needing time to gel.
