MONZA STOPS INTER AT 2-2, THEN THE NERAZZURRI WIN ON PENALTIES

In the last friendly match before the Coppa Italia debut, Monza earns a nice 2-2 draw against Inter, who then wins on penalties.

The visitors want to start strong, but they face a solid and well-organized defense from the biancorossi. Bianco's team doesn't just watch and is dangerous on the counterattack, like at 8' when Ciurria's cross from the right crosses the entire Inter penalty area, frightening Martinez. At 17', Colpani tries a direct free kick: the Inter goalkeeper saves. Monza is proactive and dangerous even two minutes later, when Caprari is stopped at the last moment in a scramble, just as he's about to shoot. Numer 10 player is inspired and tries again with his right foot at 23': the ball is deflected for a corner. After a period of suffering, Inter makes an appearance at 30' with a curling shot by Bonny, which misses the goal. The conclusion is guessed by Ciurria, who puts Monza ahead at 33'. A soft cross from Caprari on the left and a left-footed volley from Fante, who scores in the corner of the same net where he scored his first Serie A goal against Inter on January 7th, 2023.

Bianco's team persists and continues to play with quality. At 42', Dany Mota has to leave due to injury, making way for Ganvoula. Inter tries to turn the game around with another effort from Bonny at 44', but the former Parma player shoots outside the net. In the first minute of added time, the score is equalized at 1-1 due to an unfortunate deflection by Birindelli, who beats Thiam. Inter gains confidence and completes the comeback early in the second half. It’s 52' when Pio Esposito scores with a backheel finish after Darmian’s shot, making it 1-2 for Inter. A favorable moment for Chivu’s team, which comes close to a third goal with Bonny within two minutes. Coach Bianco makes a double substitution at 59', bringing on Obiang and Carboni. Monza reacts and at 62' Ganvoula unleashes a powerful shot, deflected for a corner. Bianco then introduces Azzi and Galazzi first, followed by Delli Carri and Ravanelli. In goal, Thiam performs excellently, denying Inter’s third goal by saving first from the young Mosconi and then with a perfect out for Lautaro Martinez. Monza stays in the game and at 89' equalizes. It’s the new signing Azzi who controls Sardo’s splendid pass and calmly beats Martinez. A fantastic debut for the Italian-Brazilian player just arrived from Cremonese and a great 2-2 draw for Monza.

The match ends at 90 minutes, but then penalties follow. After Martinez’s save on Sardo’s shot, Thuram’s goal proves decisive for Inter’s victory, but Monza received positive signals from the evening ahead of their first official match on Sunday, August 17th, against Frosinone in the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa round of 32.

Thiam, Brorsson (73’ Delli Carri), Izzo (59’ Carboni), Lucchesi (73’ Ravanelli), Ciurria (78’ Martins), Pessina (66’ Galazzi), Colombo (59’ Obiang), Birindelli (78’ Sardo), Colpani (65’ Azzi), Caprari (69’ Maric), Mota Carvalho (42’ Ganvoula).