Nigeria international Akor Adams made an immediate impact for Venezia, scoring twice and contributing an assist as the newly promoted Serie A club defeated Modena 3-2 in the first round of the Coppa Italia on Saturday.
The 26-year-old striker was at the centre of Venezia’s comeback after Modena twice took the lead, scoring the equaliser before setting up John Yeboah’s leveller and then completing the turnaround with the decisive goal. The match finished Venezia 3-2 Modena, with Adams scoring in the 26th and 85th minutes.
Adams’ performance came less than a month after Venezia completed his permanent transfer from Sevilla, making his competitive debut for the Italian club in spectacular fashion.
Venezia officially announced the signing on July 22, confirming that Adams had agreed a contract running until June 30, 2030. Reports surrounding the deal have put the transfer at approximately €16 million plus potential bonuses, although other reports have cited a higher potential package.
That makes Adams one of the most significant investments in Venezia’s recent history and places considerable expectations on the Nigerian forward following the club’s promotion back to Serie A.
Against Modena, he responded immediately.
Modena initially took control of the contest through Giuseppe Ambrosino, who scored twice to give his side a 2-1 lead. Adams restored parity in the 26th minute before Venezia entered the decisive stages of the match trailing 2-1.
The Nigerian then played a central role in the comeback.
With Venezia chasing an equaliser, Adams provided the assist for John Yeboah, who brought the home side level in the 83rd minute.
Just two minutes later, Adams completed the turnaround himself, scoring the winner to give Venezia a 3-2 victory and send them through in the Coppa Italia.
The performance represents an ideal competitive start for Adams under head coach Giovanni Stroppa, who has been entrusted with leading Venezia into their return to Italy’s top flight.
The Nigerian forward arrives in Italy after a productive spell at Sevilla scoring 10 goals and four assists in 37 appearances for the Spanish club across all competitions. Before moving to Sevilla in January 2025, Adams spent time with Montpellier and Lillestrøm, where he developed his reputation as a powerful centre-forward.
His 2025/26 campaign with Sevilla was particularly noteworthy, with Adams scoring 10 La Liga goals and providing three assists in 32 league appearances,
His Venezia debut therefore provides an early indication of why the club were prepared to make a substantial investment in him.
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