Inter Milan emerged victorious in a challenging 1-0 home game against Venezia on November 3, 2024, in Serie A action at San Siro. The decisive goal came from captain Lautaro Martinez, whose well-placed header in the 65th minute broke the deadlock after a tense first half filled with missed opportunities for both teams. This win propels Inter to second place in the Serie A standings, bringing them within one point of league leaders Napoli, who endured a 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta earlier in the day.
This article provides a comprehensive review of Inter’s performance, Martinez’s return to the Serie A scoresheet, and the dramatic events that shaped the game.
Inter Milan’s Journey to Victory
Inter Milan entered this match needing a win to stay within reach of Napoli at the top of Serie A. The clash at San Siro marked a pivotal moment in their campaign as they sought to capitalize on Napoli’s slip against Atalanta. Under the guidance of manager Simone Inzaghi, Inter faced Venezia, a team battling relegation and positioned 18th in the table, presenting a prime opportunity for the Nerazzurri to secure three points.
First Half: A Slow Build-up to a Goalless Interval
The first half saw both teams struggle to break through each other’s defenses. Inter’s strategy was clear from the outset, with relentless forward pressing, but Venezia’s solid defensive organization kept their scoring threats at bay. Milan attempted 20 shots throughout the match, demonstrating their offensive persistence. Martinez, who had been striving to regain his scoring form at home, missed two notable opportunities in the first half, which left him visibly frustrated.
As the halftime whistle blew, the score remained 0-0, and Milan returned to the dressing room eager to refine their attacking approach. Venezia, despite their lower position in the league, managed to prevent Inter from finding the back of the net, giving themselves a chance to pull off a surprise upset.
Second Half: Martinez’s Redemption and Mkhitaryan’s Disallowed Goal
The tempo increased dramatically after the break. Inter resumed their attacks with renewed vigor, and just minutes into the second half, Henrikh Mkhitaryan appeared to have scored the opener. However, the goal was quickly overturned following a VAR review that confirmed an offside. Despite this setback, Inter maintained their pressure on Venezia’s defense.
The breakthrough finally came in the 65th minute when Lautaro Martinez met Federico Dimarco’s pinpoint cross with a powerful header, giving Inter the lead. The goal was a significant moment for Martinez, marking his first Serie A goal at San Siro in eight months. His visible relief was evident as he celebrated, acknowledging the importance of his contribution to Inter’s standing in the league.
After the match, Martinez expressed his satisfaction: “It was about time! I always say that I work for the team. I got two goals wrong in the first half, but I am glad because we took the points home.” His persistence paid off, and Inter were finally able to convert their efforts into a lead.
Milan continued to dominate the game, creating multiple opportunities to extend their lead. However, Venezia’s goalkeeper, Filip Stankovic, made several impressive saves to keep his team within reach. Inter’s inability to convert these chances into a more comfortable lead set the stage for a tense finish, with Venezia desperate to find an equalizer.
In the final moments of stoppage time, Venezia’s Marin Sverko headed what seemed to be a last-gasp equalizer, sparking celebrations among the visiting fans. However, VAR stepped in once more, disallowing the goal due to a handball. Inter fans at San Siro breathed a sigh of relief as the decision preserved their team’s 1-0 victory. This tense finale underscored Inter’s need to improve in finishing off games, a sentiment echoed by Martinez after the match.
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Reflecting on the outcome, Martinez commented on the challenges of managing close games and the extended stoppage time: “There were zero minutes of added time in the first half, but seven after the break. I think football needs to move forward, and we are not doing that.” He also emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities to secure victories early in the game: “Of course, we also have our own blame to take for not killing the game off earlier. It’s a long season, but we have to improve in these details.”
Implications for Inter Milan and Serie A Standings
With this hard-fought win, Inter Milan narrowed the gap to Napoli, trailing them by just one point. Napoli’s 3-0 defeat to Atalanta presented a crucial opening for Inter to gain ground in the title race. As Serie A progresses, Milan’s ability to convert their high shot count into goals will be essential for maintaining momentum and keeping pressure on Napoli and other top contenders.
Milan’s 1-0 win over Venezia, highlighted by Lautaro Martinez’s header, was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite missed opportunities and VAR interventions, Inter secured a vital three points that strengthen their title aspirations. However, the match also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in finishing chances and managing the game’s tempo to avoid last-minute dramas.
As the Serie A season continues, Inter Milan will look to build on this victory and close the gap with Napoli. The upcoming fixtures will test their resolve and consistency, as they aim to keep pace with the leaders and contend for the title.
