Nigeria's Akor Adams is back in the penalty conversation at Venezia as Giovanni Stroppa promises a clear plan before the Atalanta clash.
Nigerian forward Akor Adams is at the centre of a spot-kick debate in Venice, and head coach Giovanni Stroppa has promised clarity before Venezia host Atalanta in Serie A on Monday, October 12.
The issue dates back to September, when Adams and teammate John Yeboah both wanted to take a penalty. Adams reached the ball first, but Stroppa stepped in and handed the job to Yeboah, who missed. The moment left the pecking order under a spotlight.
Stroppa has now explained how he sees the hierarchy. Speaking to local media, he said Busio is first choice, followed by Yeboah, with Adams third. He also pointed out that Yeboah has scored from the spot for his national team, though he admitted he would have preferred a different outcome in the Lazio game.
With Adams and Yeboah both keen, the coach says the matter will be settled either on the pitch or, as he put it, before kickoff. Given what happened last time, Stroppa wants no repeat of the confusion, so expect a clear instruction before Venezia face Atalanta.
For Adams, a Super Eagles talent chasing a bigger role in Italy, penalties are about more than goals. Moving up that list would show the coach's trust, and the Atalanta game could be his next chance to make his case.
