MILAN, Waspada.co.id – Inter Milan achieved a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Venezia.
Lautaro Martinez‘s header in the second half was enough to ensure victory over the team strengthened by Indonesian national team defender Jay Idzes in the Italian League Serie A match at the Giuseppe Meazza, Milan, Monday (4/11) early morning WIB.
Inter are now in second place in the standings with 24 points, one point behind leaders Napoli, while Venezia is in 18th position. Inter narrowed the gap on points with Napoli who suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta.
Martinez got his name on the scoreboard in the 65th minute with a header from Federico Dimarco’s cross to break the deadlock after a match full of wasted opportunities.
The Argentinian striker looked visibly relieved after scoring his first Serie A goal on home soil in eight months, with Inter registering 20 shots on target throughout the game.
“It is time! “I always say that I work for the team, I failed to score two goals in the first half, but I’m happy because we brought home the points,” Martinez told DAZN, quoted by Reuters.
After a slow start, both teams upped the tempo before the break but headed into the break goalless. Minutes after the break, Henrikh Mkhitaryan thought he had scored for Inter, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Inter had chances to increase their lead but an impressive save from Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stankovic kept the score at 0-0.
Nerazzurri fans at the Giuseppe Meazza held their breath when Marin Sverko headed the ball back for the visitors in the final seconds of stoppage time but a VAR review ruled it handball and the goal was disallowed to preserve Inter’s win.
“Of course, we also have to take responsibility for not finishing the game earlier… The season is still long, but we have to improve these little things.”
In another Serie A match, AS Roma coach Ivan Juric was under pressure after his team lost 3-2 to Hellas Verona. (wool/ari/d1)
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we’re diving into the latest happenings in Serie A, specifically focusing on Inter Milan’s narrow victory against Venezia. We have with us renowned football analyst, Dr. Marco Rossi. Marco, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Rossi: It’s a pleasure to be here! There’s always so much to discuss in the world of football, especially in a competitive league like Serie A.
Editor: Indeed! Let’s start with the match itself. Inter Milan secured a hard-fought 1-0 win thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s header. How critical was his goal for the team’s morale and standings?
Dr. Rossi: That goal was absolutely vital, not just in terms of the three points, but also in boosting the morale of the team. A clean sheet combined with a crucial goal against Venezia keeps Inter in the hunt for the title. It’s about confidence, and winning tough matches like this can be the difference in a tightly contested league.
Editor: You mentioned standing—Inter is now in second place, just one point behind Napoli. How significant is this positioning as we approach the midpoint of the season?
Dr. Rossi: Extremely significant. Being in second place means Inter is within striking distance of the top. As teams begin to solidify their strategies, every point becomes critical. If they maintain this form and capitalize on any missteps by Napoli, they could easily reclaim the top spot.
Editor: With the addition of players like Jay Idzes from the Indonesian national team boosting Venezia’s defense, how do you see the impact of such international talents on Serie A?
Dr. Rossi: International players bring new styles and techniques to the league, enhancing the overall quality of Serie A. Players like Idzes add depth and experience, particularly in defense, which can be crucial against high-scoring teams. Their presence contributes to a richer, more diverse football culture in Italy.
Editor: That’s a great point. Now, looking ahead, what strategies do you think Inter should employ to maintain their momentum going into the next matches?
Dr. Rossi: Inter will need to build on their defensive solidity while maintaining a dynamic attacking strategy. They should focus on creating opportunities for Lautaro Martinez and their wingers while ensuring their backline remains robust against counterattacks. Consistency is key, especially with clubs like Napoli breathing down their necks.
Editor: what will be the determining factors for Inter Milan in winning the title this season?
Dr. Rossi: Injuries, squad depth, and key player performances will be crucial. If Inter can keep their key players fit and find a rhythm, they have a great shot at the title. Additionally, the mental aspect—handling pressure during critical matches—can often be what separates the champions from the rest.
Editor: Thank you, Marco, for sharing your insights! It’s clear that Serie A is shaping up to be an exhilarating race this season. We look forward to more thrilling matches ahead!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you! I’m excited to see how it unfolds. Enjoy the matches, everyone!