Venezia lose captain Busio to thigh strain as relegation battle looms

In the cramped Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo, the roar faded as medical staff rushed to attend to Venezia captain Gianluca Busio, who limped off in the 44th minute of Friday’s 4‑2 defeat to Fiorentina. The American midfielder’s thigh injury now threatens his season.

Injury details and impact

Venezia announced on Tuesday that Busio has an intratendinous strain in his right thigh. No timetable was given, and the club warned he could miss up to two months. The captain will be unavailable for the foreseeable future.

“The player has already begun his rehabilitation process and his condition will be monitored by the Club’s medical staff,” the statement said. Medical staff will oversee his progress each day.

Busio left the field in the 44th minute of Friday’s 4‑2 loss to Fiorentina, helped off by two Venezia staff members. The American midfielder was forced off due to the thigh injury.

He had set up Akor Adams’ opening goal, but Fiorentina rallied to win 4‑2. The defeat leaves Venezia bottom of the Serie A table in their return to the Italian top flight.

The 24‑year‑old captain has made 175 appearances for Venezia. He helped the side win the Serie B title last season, securing a second promotion since joining in 2021. Busio is a former Sporting KC homegrown.

He previously partnered USMNT midfielder Tanner Tessmann in midfield. Their partnership was a regular feature for the United States national team.

His injury arrives ahead of the USMNT’s first post‑World Cup window, where Mauricio Pochettino’s side will play four friendlies, starting with Peru in Orlando on September 26. Venezia’s next match before the international break is at home to Lazio on September 19, a result Strapa’s squad urgently needs.