According to Álvarez's second consecutive goal and Monza's second consecutive victory at U-Power Stadium, the team beats Sampdoria 1-0, remaining among the top teams in the standings.
The temperature was like a midsummer day at kick-off and the match was immediately intense. At 8', the first chance for the biancorossi with Galazzi launching Azzi in depth: the number 7 outsmarts Depaoli and tries to surprise Coucke, who somehow manages to save. Monza attacks and doesn't allow the blucerchiati any opportunities. Until 27' when Abisso awards a penalty to Sampdoria for a contact between Lucchesi and Cherubini. Barak steps up to take it, but Thiam guesses correctly and makes a fantastic save. The score remains 0-0, and at 31', the Ligurian team is reduced to ten men after Cherubini's straight red card for kicking Izzo after a stoppage in play. Sampdoria doesn't give up and at 36', Henderson attempts a long-range shot, but the ball doesn't dip enough. Mister Bianco makes his first substitution at halftime, bringing on Birindelli to increase the attacking options on the right. Monza presses and at 50', Álvarez nearly puts them ahead with a brilliant individual move: a dribble in tight space and a powerful right foot shot, narrowly wide. During this moment of pressure, Abisso also sends off Ciurria for a last-man foul on Depaoli amidst protests from the Monza players. The match continues with 10 players per side, but Monza remains undeterred and strikes.
Álvarez scores again, exploiting a hesitant exit by Coucke and placing the ball inside the net for the 1-0 lead. This is his second consecutive goal and he does not celebrate out of respect for his former club. Monza then relaxes further and comes close to doubling the lead at 62' with a great shot from Maric that goes just wide. At 66', Colpani returns to the pitch along with Delli Carri for a double substitution by Bianco. Donati also makes several changes, including Pafundi, who at 75' drifts inward and shoots with his left foot, but without hitting the target. Bianco also brings on Petagna at 77', to thunderous applause for Álvarez. The new entrant immediately creates a good chance for Azzi, who runs down the left and curls a shot just over the crossbar. Sampdoria responds at 79' with Cuni attempting a bicycle kick in the area, but Thiam reacts quickly to block. At 82', Carboni returns to the pitch for the final moments, during which Sampdoria pushes for an equalizer. The defender confirms his offensive movement skills and comes very close to scoring at 89', with Coucke saving once again. Sampdoria’s last chance comes with Pafundi, who tries another left-footed curling shot but misses the top corner.
Monza wins 1-0, bouncing back from their loss at Avellino and continuing their momentum. In the next round, mister Bianco's team will again play at U-Power Stadium, Saturday, September 27th at 5:15 PM against Padova.
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