Paulo Dybala struck a successful penalty for the only goal of the game.
Ranieri remarked afterwards: "I'm satisfied, I knew the difficulties of the match, I knew that getting a result here meant playing a great match. The last 10 games of Venzia have always ended with a one-goal difference and we knew it.
"The boys were splendid, attentive, they did everything we had prepared. They made many exchanges, we were concentrated and attentive on every ball. I am really satisfied, in terms of determination, desire to be on the pitch, desire to get a result it was our best match.
"Except for the Como game, in the others I have always thanked all the players, who always give 100%. What counts is the will to give 100% and then it's up to me to understand who is not in a position to give more and replace them, but since I've been here, whoever I've put on the field has tried to give their best."
He added, "Maybe it wasn't a great match from a technical point of view, I don't want to judge that, but for the focus and determination I'm fully satisfied and now a great match awaits us against Porto. It won't be easy, but we'll give it our all as always."