As the Serie A season continues, reigning champions Inter Milan will look to bounce back from their recent Supercoppa Italiana defeat when they face Venezia on Sunday at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. This match presents an opportunity for Inter to reaffirm their dominance in the league after a disappointing loss to their city rivals, AC Milan.
Inter Milan entered the Supercoppa final with high hopes after a strong run in the league, having won five consecutive matches while scoring an impressive 19 goals. However, their aspirations for a fourth straight Supercoppa title were dashed when they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Milan. Despite this setback, Inter remain a formidable force in Serie A, currently sitting third in the league and boasting an unbeaten streak of 12 matches.
In contrast, Venezia are struggling near the bottom of the table, currently occupying 19th place after 19 games. They have managed to collect only 14 points this season, with their recent form showing signs of improvement as they have lost just once in their last five matches. Their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Empoli, where top scorer Joel Pohjanpalo opened the scoring before the visitors equalized.
Inter Milan’s attacking prowess has been evident throughout the season, with their ability to score goals consistently making them one of the top teams in Serie A. They have demonstrated defensive solidity as well, with a remarkable record of clean sheets in recent away matches. The Nerazzurri will aim to exploit Venezia’s defensive vulnerabilities and continue their trend of dominating possession.
Venezia’s approach will likely focus on maintaining a solid defensive structure while looking for opportunities to counterattack. With their recent improvement in form and home advantage, they’ll seek to frustrate Inter and capitalize on any mistakes.
Historically, Inter have had the upper hand against Venezia in recent encounters. In their last three meetings, Inter has emerged victorious each time, including a narrow 1-0 win earlier this season at San Siro. Given Venezia’s struggles this season and Inter’s ambition to return to winning ways after their Supercoppa disappointment, expectations are high for another Inter victory.
Team News
Inter Milan face some injury challenges ahead of this fixture. German defender Yann Bisseck is sidelined due to a thigh strain sustained during the Supercoppa final, joining Francesco Acerbi on the treatment table. However, there is positive news with the potential return of Benjamin Pavard, who could step into Bisseck’s role. Additionally, top scorer Marcus Thuram is expected to lead the attack alongside Lautaro Martinez.
On the other hand, Venezia will be without several key players due to injuries. Gaetano Oristanio, who has been instrumental for the team with his dribbling skills, may miss out on facing his former club. Other absentees include Michael Svoboda, Alfred Duncan, Issa Doumbia, and Domen Crnigoj. In Oristanio’s absence, John Yeboah is likely to partner Pohjanpalo in attack.
Expected Starting XIs
Venezia: Stankovic; Idzes, Sverko, Altare; Zampano, Busio, Nicolussi Caviglia, Ellertsson, Carboni; Yeboah, Pohjanpalo
Inter: Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Asllani, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Martinez, Thuram
Match Prediction
Given Inter Milan’s current form and depth in squad quality compared to Venezia’s struggles this season, it is reasonable to predict that Inter will secure a comfortable win. The champions are likely to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match.
Prediction: Venezia 0 – 3 Inter Milan
