Inter are level at the top of Serie A with Lazio, both on 25 points after nine games, and the timing could hardly be more significant. Saturday brings the Derby della Madonnina at San Siro against AC Milan, a fixture that carries weight far beyond the usual three points at this stage of the season.

The platform for that derby was built on Tuesday at the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo, where Inter beat Venezia 2-0 through two opposition own goals. It was far from convincing. Cristian Chivu rotated heavily, resting Barella, Calhanoglu and Akanji from the start, and the performance reflected that. A goal from Lauberbach was ruled out for offside, and Venezia created enough to cause concern before gifting the points. The result mattered more than the manner, and Inter took it.

Thuram continues to carry the attacking burden in Lautaro Martinez's absence, and his influence over recent weeks has been central to Inter's momentum. The Frenchman scored and won the decisive penalty in the previous 2-1 comeback win against Fiorentina, a result that typified a season built on resilience. Inter have now won six of eight league games from behind.

Dimarco remains a concern. The left back has not reproduced his form from last season and again looked muted against Venezia. With the derby approaching and Chivu managing a squad stretched by injuries to Martinez, Pavard, Stones, Henrique and Jones, the depth and form of key players will be tested when it matters most.