Catanzaro's 2-0 victory in the second leg of the Serie BKT playoff final was not enough. Thanks to their 2-0 win in the first leg and their higher league finish, Monza secured the second promotion to Serie A in the club's history.
The atmosphere at kick-off was spectacular at the U-Power Stadium, which set a new all-time attendance record for the club with 17,015 spectators. After their 2-0 victory in the first leg, the biancorossi only needed to avoid losing by more than two goals to celebrate promotion. Catanzaro, on the other hand, needed a remarkable comeback.
After a high-tempo start, the first chances arrived. At 13’, Jack headed the ball goalward, but Thiam gathered comfortably. Monza responded immediately as Cutrone broke forward on the counterattack following a pass from Hernani and fired a right-footed diagonal shot that was deflected behind for a corner by Antonini. Monza’s number 10 tried again at 22’, turning and shooting, but Pigliacelli was alert.
Bianco’s side looked the more dangerous team, seeking the opening goal without rushing. At 33’, Hernani delivered a beautifully floated free kick from the right towards the far post, but none of his teammates managed to connect. Catanzaro threatened again at 35’ when Iemmello stretched out his right foot to meet a cross from the left, but Thiam reacted quickly to save. The Monza goalkeeper could do nothing, however, about Jack’s header at 39’, as he got the slightest touch to Pontisso’s free kick and guided it into the net.
The goal lifted Catanzaro, who came close again at 44’ through Liberali’s first-time left-footed effort, but Thiam produced a magnificent save to turn it behind for a corner. Before the break, Monza pushed forward once more and nearly equalized when Pessina carefully placed his shot, only to see it narrowly miss the top corner.
Bianco made a substitution at the start of the second half, introducing Petagna. The importance of the occasion was evident on both sides in the opening stages of the half. Then the chances began to flow again. At 55’, Iemmello shot from close range following a cross from the right, but Thiam remained focused. One minute later, Colombo's superb header forced Pigliacelli into a miraculous save to prevent the equalizer. Monza came close again from the resulting corner, with Hernani aiming for the far corner with his right foot, only for the visiting goalkeeper to make another excellent save.
The match was enthralling.
At 64’, Liberali surged forward and shot with his left foot, but failed to trouble Thiam. One minute later, Iemmello tried his luck with a right-footed effort that sailed over the bar. It was a positive spell for Aquilani’s side, who had nothing left to lose and threw everything forward.
Bianco introduced Lucchesi and Caso at 70’, followed by Antov at 75’. Monza appeared to be feeling the pressure, while Catanzaro played with freedom and, at 78’, Frosinini rose highest to head home for 0-2.
Bianco also brought on Obiang at 83’ for the tense closing stages. However, the dramatic comeback never materialized.
The match ended 2-0, but it was Paolo Bianco’s Monza who celebrated, earning the right to enjoy the promotion ceremony and their return to Serie A.
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