Venezia vs. Inter Milan | Serie A | Pre Match

Inter Milan Seek Redemption Against Venezia in Serie A Clash

Fresh off a heart-wrenching loss to their city rivals in the Supercoppa Italiana, reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan will turn their attention back to domestic league action as they travel to face Venezia on Sunday. This match offers Simone Inzaghi’s side an opportunity to bounce back and solidify their dominance in the league, while Venezia will aim to continue their fight for survival in the top tier.

Inter’s defeat against AC Milan in the Supercoppa final was a bitter pill to swallow, particularly given the context of their performance. Having taken a commanding two-goal lead through strikes by Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi, the Nerazzurri appeared destined for a fourth consecutive Supercoppa triumph. However, a late resurgence by their rivals, capped off by Tammy Abraham’s winner in the dying moments, turned the game on its head. The 3-2 loss marked Inter’s second domestic defeat of the season and highlighted a vulnerability that Venezia will look to exploit.

Despite the setback, Inter’s league form has been imperious. The champions have gone 12 Serie A matches without defeat and have won their last five league games in dominant fashion, scoring a remarkable 19 goals while keeping opponents at bay. Their most recent league outing saw them overcome Cagliari with ease, further cementing their position as one of Italy’s most consistent sides.

Inter’s Stellar Away Form

A key factor in Inter’s success this season has been their performances on the road. Alongside Juventus, they remain the only team in Serie A yet to lose an away game this term. Their record of five consecutive away wins without conceding a single goal speaks volumes about their defensive organization and attacking efficiency. Should they achieve another shutout victory against Venezia, it would set a new club record of six straight away wins with clean sheets in Serie A—a testament to the tactical acumen of Simone Inzaghi and the resilience of his squad.

Historical trends also favor the visitors. Inter have traditionally started the calendar year on a strong note, winning their first league game in each of the last five seasons. Additionally, their dominance over Venezia has been well-established, with three consecutive victories in their recent meetings, including a narrow 1-0 win in November’s reverse fixture at San Siro, courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez goal.

Venezia’s Struggle for Survival

While Inter’s title defense remains firmly on track, Venezia find themselves in a very different battle. Eusebio Di Francesco’s side occupies 19th place in the league standings, with just 14 points from 19 matches. However, there are signs of life in the Lagunari’s recent performances. A 1-1 draw against Empoli in their last outing extended a run that has seen them lose just one of their last five games. This newfound defensive solidity has given Venezia a fighting chance of avoiding relegation.

Venezia’s home form has been their saving grace, with 11 of their 14 points coming at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. The passionate home crowd will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration as they prepare to welcome the reigning champions. Much of Venezia’s attacking hopes rest on the shoulders of their Finnish striker, Joel Pohjanpalo, who netted early against Empoli and continues to be a reliable source of goals.

However, injuries remain a concern for Di Francesco. Gaetano Oristanio, a former Inter youth product and one of Venezia’s most creative players, is a major doubt for Sunday’s game. Oristanio’s ability to weave past defenders has made him a standout performer, with his 37 completed dribbles this season tied for the league’s best alongside AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. His absence would be a significant blow to Venezia’s chances.

Other key players, including Michael Svoboda, Alfred Duncan, Issa Doumbia, and Domen Crnigoj, are also unavailable, further complicating Venezia’s preparations. On the bright side, on-loan goalkeeper Filip Stankovic has been a revelation between the posts. The young shot-stopper, also an Inter loanee, will relish the chance to prove his worth against his parent club.

Inter’s Injury Woes and Tactical Adjustments

Inter are not without their own injury troubles. German defender Yann Bisseck picked up a thigh strain during the Supercoppa final, adding to a growing list of absentees that includes Francesco Acerbi. However, the potential return of Benjamin Pavard provides a timely boost to the Nerazzurri’s defensive options. The French international is expected to step into the backline alongside Alessandro Bastoni and Matteo Darmian.

In attack, Marcus Thuram is set to reclaim his spot at the heart of Inter’s forward line. The Frenchman, who has already scored 12 league goals this season, will look to add to his tally against a Venezia side that has struggled to keep clean sheets. Lautaro Martinez, fresh off his exploits in the Supercoppa, will partner Thuram, forming one of Serie A’s most potent attacking duos.

Joaquin Correa remains unavailable, while Hakan Calhanoglu is a doubt for the game, potentially forcing Inzaghi to reshuffle his midfield. Nicolò Barella and Kristjan Asllani are likely to take on more creative responsibilities, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan could provide additional support.

Key Battles to Watch

The midfield battle will be a crucial aspect of Sunday’s clash. Venezia will need to disrupt Inter’s rhythm and prevent their opponents from dominating possession. Players like Joel Pohjanpalo and John Yeboah will need to work tirelessly to capitalize on any defensive lapses and provide an outlet for counterattacks.

For Inter, exploiting Venezia’s defensive vulnerabilities will be key. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez’s movement and interplay could create significant problems for the hosts, while Pavard’s return adds an additional aerial threat during set pieces.

On the defensive end, Inter will need to be wary of Venezia’s Joel Pohjanpalo, who has shown an ability to score in crucial moments. The interplay between Venezia’s attackers and Inter’s backline, potentially including Pavard, will be a fascinating contest.

What’s at Stake?

For Inter, Sunday’s match represents more than just three points—it’s an opportunity to bounce back from the disappointment of the Supercoppa final and reaffirm their dominance in Serie A. With Juventus breathing down their necks in the title race, every point is crucial. A victory would also underline their incredible away form and set a new record for consecutive away clean-sheet victories.

For Venezia, the stakes are equally high, albeit at the opposite end of the table. A positive result against the league champions could serve as a catalyst for their survival push, boosting morale and confidence within the squad. While the odds are stacked against them, the Lagunari have nothing to lose and everything to gain, making them a dangerous opponent.

Predictions and Conclusion

Inter Milan enter this match as overwhelming favorites, with their superior squad depth, form, and tactical organization likely to overwhelm a struggling Venezia side. However, the unpredictability of Serie A and the added pressure of bouncing back from a high-profile defeat could create opportunities for the hosts to spring a surprise.

Ultimately, Inter’s quality should shine through, with their dynamic attacking duo of Thuram and Martinez leading the charge. A disciplined defensive display and efficient finishing will be key to securing a result that keeps them on track in their pursuit of back-to-back Scudetto triumphs. For Venezia, even a spirited performance would be a victory of sorts, as they continue their fight for Serie A survival.