Inter Milan climbed to second place in the Serie A standings after a narrow 1-0 win over Venezia at the San Siro, continuing an impressive streak that now sees them unbeaten in eight consecutive matches across all competitions.
The defending Serie A champions had not always shown their top form this season, but this match presented a crucial opportunity to close in on league leaders Napoli. With only one point separating the teams, Inter knew a victory would bring them within reach of the top spot.
Although fans may have hoped for an exciting showdown like Inter’s recent thrilling 4-4 draw with Juventus, this match unfolded in a different fashion. The first half was engaging but lacked the same level of high-paced goal attempts. Inter, however, looked the more threatening side, coming close on several occasions. Lautaro Martínez volleyed a shot narrowly wide, and Marcus Thuram fired into the side netting from a close range. Henrikh Mkhitaryan also tested the goalkeeper, but Filip Stanković reacted quickly to block his powerful attempt.
Despite Inter’s offensive pressure, Venezia nearly stole the lead late in the first half. Gaetano Oristiano was poised to score until Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer made a crucial save to keep the game level going into halftime.
Inter thought they had finally broken the deadlock early in the second half when Mkhitaryan sent a first-time shot from Federico Dimarco’s cross into the net, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside call in the buildup. Venezia seized on this moment of hope, and soon after, Joel Pohjanpalo came close to scoring. However, Sommer’s quick reflexes saved Inter from conceding.
Inter continued pressing forward, and their persistence paid off. Dimarco sent a perfect cross into the box, which Martínez met with a powerful header, scoring his first goal at San Siro since February and giving Inter the lead. Dimarco’s influence continued, as another of his precise crosses nearly allowed Thuram to double the score, but Stanković made a solid save to deny him.
Though Inter’s lead remained just one goal, it was enough to discourage Venezia. Their attempts to find an equalizer were minimal, although they did get the ball into Inter’s net deep in stoppage time. However, after a VAR review, Marvin Šverko’s goal was ruled out, allowing Inter to secure the three points and stay close behind Napoli in the race for the top of the Serie A table.
Venezia’s loss means they remain in the relegation zone, holding only eight points from their matches so far. Inter’s Federico Dimarco, whose creative play and precision passing were instrumental in the win, was named Man of the Match.
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