Venezia vs Inter 0-2: Nerazzurri Seal Important Win

Inter picked up an important three points away to Venezia at Stadio Pierluigi Penzo in Serie A on Saturday evening, with Hakan Calhanoglu and Lautaro Martinez securing a 2-0 win. 

Hosts Venezia had been on great form heading into the match, winning their last two matches and going unbeaten in three, which included a 3-2 victory at home to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

Head coach Paolo Zanetti made one change for the Lagunari from their 1-0 away victory against Bologna last time out with Dennis Johnsen dropping to the bench for Sofian Kiyine. 

The visitors made two changes from their midweek win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League with Andrea Ranocchia and Lautaro Martinez being replaced by Federico Dimarco and Joaquin Correa respectively. 

Inter Control First Half 

There were not too many chances early on, with Inter threatening marginally from a couple of dangerous crosses into the box but nothing that challenged the Venezia goal. 

Marcelo Brozovic had the first shot on target here for the visitors, with an effort from just outside the box, but it was straight down the throat of ‘keeper Sergio Romero. Edin Dzeko quickly followed with a decent effort, shooting from inside the box from the left but again, it was a fairly comfortable save by Romero. 

Inter started probe and look more dangerous on the attack as Venezia absorbed the pressure whilst the first half progressed. Simone Inzaghi’s side looked to push high up the pitch as Venezia were stuck in their own half. They struggled on the counter but kept fairly solid at the back in the opening 25 minutes. 

Ivan Perisic threatened with a decent header into the top left corner, getting on the end of a cross by Matteo Darmian, but Romero was there to deny the Croatian. 

Inter deservedly took the lead after Calhanoglu gave scored after 34 minutes with a fantastic low driven strike from outside the area, scoring his fourth goal of the season. 

However, Venezia nearly hit back just before half time through a wonderful effort by Mattia Aramu from long-range. The Italian forward struck the ball sweetly with his left foot which forced Samir Handanovic into making a fine save, tipping the ball over the bar.

Nerazzurri See Out Match

There wasn’t too much action in the second half but Venezia did look to improve from their first half display.  However, they were still unable to create any chances that threatened Handanovic. 

Neither side threatened too much in the second half as Inter comfortably controlled the match, limiting Venezia to shots from range, none of which were able to cause too much danger. 

Inter made a double change just before the hour mark as Matias Vecino and Lautaro Martinez were subbed on for Hakan Calhanoglu and Joaquin Correa. 

Milan Skriniar came close to doubling Inter’s lead with a header shortly after but it was cleared off the line by full-back Ridgeciano Haps in what was the best chance in the second half. 

Substitute Dennis Johnsen put a good ball into the box late on in injury time for the hosts in a final attempt to get a goal back but Inter dealt with it well. They hit on the counter attack and Martinez came close to getting the second goal in the 94th minute.

His effort was deemed to have hit the hand of Haps and referee Livio Marinelli awarded Inter a penalty in the final minute of the game, following a VAR review. Martinez made no mistake from the spot to give Inter an all-important three points to keep the pressure up on Milan and Napoli. 

What’s Next for Venezia and Inter?

Venezia will travel to Bergamo in a difficult away match up against Atalanta on Tuesday as they look to bounce back from their defeat here. 

Inter will play host to Spezia on Wednesday in a match that Inzaghi will be expected to win as they continue to push Milan and Napoli at the top of Serie A. 

 

MATCH SCORECARD

November 27, 2021 – Serie A 2021-22 Round 14
VENEZIA – INTER 0-2

SCORERS: 34′ Calhanoglu, 96′ Lautaro Martinez