epa11699763 Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi looks on before the Italian Serie A football match between Inter Milan and Venezia FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, Italy, November 03, 2024. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI

Simone Inzaghi admits Inter were far too wasteful in their hard-fought 1-0 win over Venezia and “anything” could have happened in the end, but his focus is now on Arsenal and not Napoli.

The Nerazzurri found it much more difficult than expected against relegation candidate Venezia, especially because they missed so many clear scoring opportunities, especially through Marcus Thuram and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Lautaro Martinez finally made the breakthrough with a cushioned header from Federico Dimarco’s cross, his first Serie A goal at San Siro in eight months, but there was still time for a big scare.

Marin Sverko equalized for Venezia with the last shot of the game, but was then disallowed by VAR for handball.

“We should have been more targeted but to be honest I congratulated the team because the first half was excellent and we missed big chances with Mkhitaryan and Thuram. “I think it would have been an easier game for us if we would have taken one of them,” Inzaghi told DAZN.

“After the break, even with the changes from Venezia, we lost a bit of form and also started conceding chances. Once we break the deadlock, the big regret is that we didn’t kill the game, and when it’s in limbo, anything can still happen.

“In addition to the handball, there was also pressure on Bisseck. However, we should have been more clinical, because you can’t leave the game so open against a strong Venezia team.”

Inzaghi remains focused on Arsenal ahead of Napoli

Inter are now just a point behind leaders Napoli ahead of next weekend’s showdown, but they still have a big Champions League clash with Arsenal before that, so squad rotation will be crucial.

Antonio Conte argued today that the Partenopei cannot keep up with Inter or even Atalanta in terms of squad strength in the title race.

“They are all strong teams who have invested a lot of money in strengthening themselves in the summer, including Inter, who have brought in important players to give us a lot of help.” “It will be a very balanced season, we all have one “Collected a few points and games like this can make the difference,” replied Inzaghi.

“This is our fifth game in two weeks, there are two more against Arsenal and Napoli, but we have Calhanoglu back and Acerbi will also be available on Wednesday.” Carlos Augusto is the only one who is still out and will be the coach I need everyone.”

Inzaghi was asked whether the clash between first and second in the Serie A table will mark a turning point in the Scudetto race.

“I don’t think there is a turning point. “It’s important, yes, but in two days we’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe with enormous quality, so my focus at the moment is clearly on Arsenal,” the coach concluded.