USMNT midfielder Gianluca Busio to captain Venezia in Serie A

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USMNT midfielder Gianluca Busio to captain Venezia in Serie A

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY · USA TODAY Sports

Thu, Jul 23, 2026 ·

1 min read

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Gianluca Busio has confirmed that he is the new captain of Venezia.

The American midfielder has earned the honor ahead of Venezia's return to Serie A for the 2026-27 season.

"Yes, I'm the new captain, it's an honor, I'm proud. I'll do everything I can to best represent Venezia and this team. I never thought I'd have this role, but I'm ready to take it on," Busio told Sky Sport Italia.

The 24-year-old replaces defender Michael Svoboda , who left to join Premier League side Brighton earlier this month.

Busio was an ever-present for Venezia last season, starting 37 of 38 league matches as Venezia earned promotion by winning Serie B. The midfielder scored seven goals and added four assists.

The North Carolina native has been with Venezia since 2021, with the club bouncing back and forth between Serie A and Serie B since then.

Venezia has earned three promotions and suffered two relegations just since 2020-21, but Busio is hoping the team has enough to stick around for the long haul.

"We have a strong team. Last year's players had a great season, and the new players can contribute something more technically and physically. We can definitely reach safety," he said.

Busio has 17 caps for the U.S. men's national team, most recently playing in November 2024.

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Spain celebrates World Cup win with epic parade

Spain fans pack Cibeles Square in Madrid on July 20, 2026, as they await the arrival of Spain's players one day after the national football team won their second World Cup title following a 1-0 victory against Argentina. Spain's World Cup winners come back home to a heroes' welcome in Madrid, where a million fans are expected to greet them after a night of raucous celebrations across the country.

(Nacho Doce, REUTERS)

Spain's Mikel Merino, Fabian Ruiz, Rodri and teammates celebrate with the World Cup trophy during the v ictory parade .

(Alejandro Martinez Velez, REUTERS)

Spain fans gather at Cibeles Square in Madrid ahead of the parade.
(Nacho Doce, REUTERS)

Spain fans gather at Cibeles Square in Madrid ahead of the parade.
(Ana Beltran, REUTERS)

A woman poses holding a Spanish flag as fans await the parade of Spain's players in Madrid.
(Ana Beltran, REUTERS)

Spain fans fill Cibeles Square in Madrid ahead of the parade.
(Nacho Doce, REUTERS)

Spain fans gather in Madrid ahead of the parade as they celebrate after winning the World Cup.
(Violeta Santos Moura, REUTERS)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: USMNT midfielder Gianluca Busio to captain Venezia in Serie A

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