Wednesday’s Serie A clash between Venice and Inter has all the makings of a David vs Goliath contest as the division’s bottom side take on the high-flying reigning champions. The teams begin proceedings after the weekend in sharply contrasting spirits.
Despite beating Napoli 1-0 in their last home game, Venezia failed to pick up their first win of the season as they were held to the same scoreline away to Genoa on Saturday. New manager Davide Nicola could win on his debut on the touchline, but keeping the Winged Lions off the foot of the table could prove a Herculean task.
Apart from the shock win over Napoli, Venezia have lost all seven of their remaining league matches this season. However, they start this midweek round a point behind 17th-placed Udinese, meaning another surprise win here could lift them out of the bottom three.
Unlike their unremarkable hosts, Inter had another successful weekend. Serie A’s “comeback specialists” lived up to their reputation on Sunday, as stoppage-time goals from Markus Thuram and Piotr Zielinski saw them to a 2-1 win over Fiorentina.
Cristian Chivu’s men are sitting top of the table heading into this matchday, but there is no room for complacency at the San Siro. Sitting above Lazio on goal difference alone, the Neradzurri cannot afford to slip up at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo if they stay there ahead of next weekend’s Milan derby.
Match preview
Venice
Nicola’s winning start quickly cooled as Venezia suffered eight defeats in nine competitive matches this term (W1), failing to get on the scoresheet for the second time in their last four. In addition to their well-documented scoring woes, the Winged Lions tend to pass a lot, giving up at least two touchdowns in seven of those eight losses.
Against this backdrop, Venezia have been relatively solid at the back when playing at home, with Pier Luigi Penzoda conceding one or fewer goals in 11 of their last 16 Serie A outings. After defeating Napoli in their last game here, they managed to keep a clean sheet in consecutive home matches for the first time since 1967.
However, Venice’s next opponent could not be stronger. Since their last competitive win over Inter in October 1999, Venezia have managed just one draw in eight meetings with the Nerazzurri (L7), losing the last five in a row by an aggregate score of 11–2.
Inter
Last weekend showed their unrivaled fighting spirit once again as they are now a massive 13 points clear of relegation this season! With the exception of a 2-2 draw with Roma last month, Chivu’s charges have won their remaining four league matches while conceding the opening goal, meaning they cannot be written off at any point.
That’s thanks in large part to a free-throw front that has scored a league-high 23 goals, at least four more than any other team in the division. Given Venezia’s current situation, it should be a walk in the park for the Nerazzurri, who have won four in a row in all competitions for the first time this season.
However, the defending champions are advised not to take anything for granted given their recent collapse on the road. Indeed, Inter have won just two of their last five away matches (D2, L1), keeping just one clean sheet during that run.
Team New
Venezia coach Nicola Marin cannot call on Sverko, Bartol Franjic and Andrea Adorante for this high-priced fixture, while full-back Thierry Correia remains a fitness doubt. All eyes will be on club record scorer Akor Adams, who has scored two goals in his last four matches.
On the other hand, “Inter” will make this trip without long-term absences of John Stones, Curtis Jones and Benjamin Pavard. Luis Henrique and Lautaro Martinez are also out, with Francesco Pio Espostio taking the latter’s place in attack and partnering Thuram.
Venezia vs Inter Potential Kick Off Previews
Venice (3-5-2): F. Stankovic; Schingtienne, Halhal, Moreno; Hainaut, Perez, Basic, Sohm, Haps; Yeboah, Adams.
Inter (3-5-2): J. Martinez; Bisseck, Akanji, Augusto; Spence, Sucic, A. Stankovic, Zielinski, Dimarco; Bonny, Esposito.
Venezia vs Inter Prediction
With the Nerazzurri on course for their best start to Serie A since 2017, it would be a “once in a lifetime” miracle for Venice to topple Inter. It should be just another day at the office for Chivu’s high-performing side, although the home side will need a big break.
Prediction: “Inter” will win
| Follow us Google News For more updates on Serie A and Italian football |