After a fierce battle, Inter Milan defeated Venezia 1-0 at home on Sunday thanks to a header from Lautaro Martinez in the second half.
With 24 points, Inter is now one point behind leaders Napoli and 18th behind Venezia.
Following Napoli's 3-0 home loss to Atalanta earlier on Sunday, Inter closed the distance with the leaders.
After a game full of squandered opportunities, captain Martinez skillfully headed in Federico Dimarco's cross to break through Venezia's defense after 65 minutes.
Inter had 20 attempts on target during the game, and the Argentine striker seemed clearly relieved after scoring his first Serie A goal at home in eight months.
"The time has come! "As I always say, I work for the team. I made two mistakes in the first half, but I'm happy that we won," Martinez said to DAZN.
Both sides picked up the pace before halfway after a poor start, but they ended the half without scoring.Henrikh Mkhitaryan believed he had given Inter the lead only minutes after the half, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
DRAMA OF STOPPAGE
Inter had chances to increase their advantage, but the score was maintained by close margins and outstanding saves from Venezia's goalkeeper Filip Stankovic.
In the last seconds of stoppage time, Marin Sverko headed in an equalizer for the visitors, but a VAR review determined that there had been a handball and the goal was disallowed, ensuring Inter's triumph. San Siro supporters held their breath.
"There were seven minutes of extra time after the half, but none during the first half. We're not moving football ahead, in my opinion," Martinez stated.
"Of course, we also have our own blame to take for not killing the game off earlier... it's a long season, but we have to improve in these details."
After AS Roma lost 3-2 to Hellas Verona in another Serie A game on Sunday, coach Ivan Juric was under pressure.
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