Venezia face uphill battle as Inter seek to maintain Serie A advantage

Venezia host Inter in the ninth round of Serie A, with the visitors heavily favoured to take three points and preserve their position at the top of the table.

Venezia have struggled for consistency since returning to Serie A and have lost most of their recent matches. Their only notable exception came against Napoli, but the team has yet to find a reliable way to adapt to the division once again.

The hosts’ prospects of beating the Italian champions appear limited. Their best hope may be that Inter are below their best physically, although even that would be unlikely to make Venezia favourites at home.

Venezia were beaten 1-0 away by Genoa in their last league match. Before that, they secured a 1-0 victory over Napoli.

Inter remain in first place with 22 points, although their recent performances across different competitions suggest they are not in their strongest form. They are ahead of Lazio on goal difference, meaning a victory against the league’s underdogs is important if they are to retain that advantage.

Depending on other results, three points could also allow Inter to move clear at the top of Serie A.

In their previous league fixture, Inter scored a late winner to beat Fiorentina 2-1. They then claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Shakhtar in the Champions League.

Pinnacle888 odds

- Venezia to win – 8 - Draw – 5.7 - Inter to win – 1.35

Key statistics

Inter’s last three away matches have ended with both teams scoring.

Venezia have won two of their past 10 matches, losing the other eight.

Inter have beaten Venezia in seven of their last eight meetings, with the other game ending in a draw.

Betting prediction

The suggested selections from Pinnacle888 are a draw at half-time, priced at 3, and fewer than four goals in the match, offered at 1.52.

Inter’s recent results have not been entirely convincing, but their record against Venezia and the hosts’ current run point towards the visitors avoiding defeat. A cautious opening period and a match finishing below four goals are the recommended outcomes.