Venezia forward Akor Adams is in line to feature in tomorrow’s encounter against Atalanta, though manager Giovanni Stroppa has hinted at a potentially modified role for the Nigerian international in Bergamo.
Adams found himself at the center of attention during a 2-0 defeat to Lazio in September after a dispute with teammate John Yeboah over who would take a awarded penalty. Despite Adams’ desire to shoulder the responsibility, Stroppa stepped in and backed Yeboah, whose ensuing effort was kept out by the opposition goalkeeper.
Ahead of the away clash with La Dea, Stroppa shed light on the squad’s penalty hierarchy, noting that Gianluca Busio was originally the designated first taker, followed by Yeboah, with Adams serving as the third choice.
However, the fallout from that missed chance has led the Italian manager to reconsider a rigid order. Stroppa suggested a more fluid arrangement going forward, noting that Adams and Yeboah could either work it out dynamically on the field or have the call made right before kickoff depending on recent form.
Reflecting on the Lazio match, Stroppa lauded the squad’s resilience, stressing that failing from the spot is part of football and commending the team for staying true to their game plan by fashioning numerous chances even after the save.
Adams enters the upcoming match eager to make his mark if another chance from twelve yards presents itself. The forward found the net during the international break, rescuing a 3-3 draw for Nigeria against Russia with a stoppage-time strike created by Abdullahi Umar. He will be determined to build on that boost, having experienced a quiet start to the domestic campaign with just a single league goal in 413 minutes since his high-profile arrival at Venezia.