Viennese with Venezia

Svoboda has the dream of Serie A in his own hands

Michael Svoboda (left) fought his way back.(Bild: LaPresse)

Michael Svoboda is finally back after his heel injury. With second division side Venezia, the Viennese central defender is still fully in the race for promotion to Serie A. The 25-year-old was already promoted to Italy's elite league in 2021 and his contract expires in the summer.

I'm extremely relieved and feel very fit," Michael Svoboda breathes a sigh of relief. Understandable! Tendonitis and bursitis along with a heel spur, which developed as a result of overloading and misalignment, thwarted the Viennese's plans for a long time. As a result, the 25-year-old only made his first appearance for Venezia in Serie B this season on 26 December. "Not an easy time, the pain was unbearable." Past - Svoboda fought back impressively, playing eight times in the last nine games at center-back.

The Viennese already celebrated promotion with Venezia in 2021.(Bild: ZVG)

"I've performed well. I'm really happy at the moment and almost pain-free. That's really important for my head. I didn't know beforehand whether I would have to live with this persistent injury forever." Venezia are right in the thick of the hot fight for promotion to Serie A (Reggiana await on April 1). With eight rounds to go, Svoboda & Co. are in second place, which means they would have a ticket to Italy's elite league in the bag. "We don't talk about it all the time, but we have it in our own hands and want to make our dream come true."

The 25-year-old enjoys spending his free time with his dog Mali.(Bild: ZVG)

For "Svobi", whose contract expires in the summer, it would be his second promotion with Venezia since 2021. Back then, Cittadella were defeated in the play-off final, which is why Venezia returned to Serie A after a 19-year break: "Afterwards, the fans celebrated us like heroes, it was an incredible experience!" Hopefully not a one-off.