The defending champions struggled to break down a determined Venezia side for much of the contest at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo. However, two goals in the closing stages settled the encounter in Inter’s favour.
Matias Moreno turned the ball into his own net in the 79th minute before Redouane Halhal suffered the same fate three minutes later, giving Inter their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions.
Venezia threaten as Inter struggle before half-time
Venezia started with purpose and created several opportunities against an Inter side that found it difficult to establish control in the opening period.
Akor Adams wasted an early opportunity when he sent a header wide, while Ivan Provedel was required to make an important save to keep out the Venezia forward’s low effort.
The hosts thought they had taken the lead through Lion Lauberbach, who finished from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Provedel then produced an excellent save to divert another Lauberbach effort onto the crossbar, ensuring the teams went into the break with the score at 0-0.
Inter created opportunities of their own, with Filip Stankovic making a crucial intervention to deny Ange-Yoan Bonny.
Venezia miss another chance after the restart
Inter introduced fresh options at half-time, including Nicolo Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu, as manager Cristian Chivu sought to improve his side’s midfield control.
Despite Inter’s increased pressure, Venezia continued to threaten on the counter-attack.
Adams broke down the right and delivered the ball to Gianluca Busio, who fired over the crossbar from a promising position.
Adams later appeared to score after getting past Provedel, but the goal was disallowed for offside, leaving Venezia frustrated after another missed opportunity.
Inter also came close through Marcus Thuram, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Two late own goals decide the contest
Inter finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute. Thuram drove down the left and sent a low cross into the penalty area, where Moreno inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to deal with the delivery.
The visitors doubled their advantage just three minutes later. Calhanoglu delivered a corner, Carlos Augusto got a touch on the ball and Halhal inadvertently diverted it past his own goalkeeper.
The two unfortunate deflections gave Inter a decisive cushion after a difficult evening in Venice.
Venezia continued to push for a response, but Provedel made another save late on to preserve Inter’s clean sheet.
Inter keep pace with Lazio
The result moved Inter level on points with Lazio at the top of the Serie A standings after nine league matches, maintaining their strong start to the campaign.
Inter had to rely on two own goals rather than their usual attacking quality, but their ability to secure all three points despite a difficult performance proved decisive.
Venezia, meanwhile, were left to reflect on missed chances and two disallowed goals. Their performance offered encouragement, but the defeat left them rooted near the bottom of the table.
Final score: Venezia 0-2 Inter Milan
Goals:
• Inter Milan: Matias Moreno 79' (own goal), Redouane Halhal 82' (own goal)