Inter Milan 2-1 Venezia: Late Dzeko winner gets Nerazzurri out of jail

Edin Dzeko scored a dramatic late winner as Inter came from behind to defeat Venezia 2-1 at San Siro on Saturday.

Simone Inzaghi's men looked destined to drop points at home in Serie A for only the third time since October 2020 but Dzeko – who was previously wasteful – delivered the goods at the end.

Thomas Henry had put Venezia in front against the run of play with an excellent header, before Nicolo Barella ensured Inter went into the break level.

The Nerazzurri piled the pressure on in the second half but their efforts seemed set to be for little until Dzeko nodded in a 90th-minute winner.

Despite an utterly dominant start, Inter found themselves trailing with 19 minutes on the clock as Henry headed Ethan Ampadu's cross in off the crossbar.

Inter eventually responded just before half-time, Barella prodding home from close range after Luca Lezzerini parried Ivan Perisic's volley, the goal counting despite a VAR check relating to a collision between Dzeko and Henry in the build-up.

Another spill from Lezzerini just before the hour should have gifted Inter the lead, but Dzeko stabbed over from point-blank range on the follow-up.

Federico Dimarco then forced a solid save from Lezzerini with a free-kick drilled towards the bottom-left corner.

Inter finally rescued the points right at the end, Denzel Dumfries' wonderful cross teeing up Dzeko for a header that broke Venetian hearts.

What does it mean? Relief for Inzaghi and wasteful Inter

Given Inter accumulated 3.0 expected goals (xG), it would be fair to say they were somewhat profligate and that looked as though it would cost them.

In total they ended up with 24 shots to Venezia's three, highlighting their dominance, yet they had to wait until the final moments to actually get the job done.

Inter's finishing was largely unimpressive and that will surely be a source of frustration for Inzaghi.

Dzeko's persistence paid off

This was not a vintage performance from Dzeko. He tallied seven shots over the course of the 90 minutes and obviously got the crucial goal, but was disappointing before nodding home. 

Yet, the fact he kept going and was ultimately decisive is to be commended – others might have let such struggles negatively impact them.

Martinez anonymous

While Dzeko got the winner, his initial strike partner had a difficult day. The Argentinian managed just two shots – neither of which were on target – before his withdrawal in the 73rd minute.

Key Opta Stats: Dumfries in form for Inter

- Dumfries has been involved in four goals (three goals, one assist) in his last seven league games. He had a hand only in two goals (two assists) in his previous 12 Serie A games.
- Inter have won all the last nine Serie A games played at home against newly promoted teams.
- Dzeko has scored his first Serie A goal since December 4 against Roma, four games without goals for him before this one.
- Inter have conceded for their second home match in a row in Serie A after collecting four clean sheets in their previous five home games in the competition.
- Matias Vecino played his 100th match in Serie A with Inter.

What's next?

Inter face Milan in the derby on February 5 after the international break. Venezia host Napoli the same day.