Inter Milan continue to march from victory to victory. Despite a ponderous performance against Venice, there were three points – albeit only just before the end.
The starting situation could not have been clearer: Champions Inter Milan, with 13 league games without defeat, welcomed promoted Venice. The game was on the line until the very end, as the visitors had eight Corona cases in their own ranks, but were ultimately able to take part, albeit severely depleted.
Venice take surprising lead – Inter unimaginative
Surprisingly, the champions were dominant from the start, but after 18 uninspiring minutes they were suddenly caught out by the visitors, who were led by former Bundesliga legionaries Cuisance and Ampadu. It was the latter who brought a cross from half field onto the head of Henry, who was actually able to overcome Handanovic (19th).
The Nerazzurri continued to have problems going forward, the best offensive team in Serie A (51 goals before the game) could not find a way against the defence of the promoted team. It was not until the 40th minute that the Milanese broke through the bulwark: the goal was preceded by a hard elbowing by Dzeko against Modolo, which had no consequences even after VAR intervention. Barella then dusted off the ball to make it 1-1.
After the break, Milan were still in control but continued to struggle, with Dzeko (59th) and substitute Dimarco (70th) missing half chances at most.
Dzeko makes it three after all
Time was slowly running out for the league leaders – and it continued to be a very laborious performance by the Nerazzurri, with no highlights until the end. Right to the end? Not quite, because the hosts actually got another chance and took it: Dumfries beat Austria’s Ullmann on the right side and lifted the ball into the middle, where Dzeko rose highest and headed the ball into the goal (90th).
Nothing more happened after that, Milan pulled themselves out of trouble at the last moment and took three points against a promoted team that was on its last legs and thus successfully kept the chasers at bay.
Like the Bundesliga, Serie A will also take a break on the next matchday, with one of the most important games of the season coming up next. On Saturday, 06 February, the Nerazzurri will face rivals Milan in the city derby.
