At the Centro Sportivo Silvio and Luigi Berlusconi-Monzello, Monza came from behind to beat Milan Futuro 4-2 in the fourth friendly of the biancorossi's pre-season campaign.
Before kick-off, both teams observed a minute of silence in memory of Franco Baresi, on the day of the final farewell to the historic captain of the rossoneri. The match then got underway at a high tempo despite the scorching heat. At 3', a brilliant move down the left by Colpani created Monza's first chance, with Mout firing goalwards only for Cisse to clear off the line. At 17', Juric's side produced a superb passing move that ended with Cutrone's right-footed turn, but the Number 10 struck the post. Monza continued to push for the opener, but it was Milan Futuro who scored with their first real attack, as Menon slid in at the far post to turn the ball home. The biancorossi responded immediately and Cutrone tested Faccioli again with a right-footed effort, but the rossoneri goalkeeper was equal to it. At 27', Monza put together another excellent move, with Colpani driving forward on the right, Varela doing well to hold the ball up and Foe Ondoa forcing a comfortable save from Faccioli. The deserved equaliser arrived at 41', when Colpani picked out Varela with a perfectly weighted through ball and the forward calmly beat Faccioli to score his first goal in Monza colours. Milan Futuro, however, finished the first half strongly and regained the lead with the last action before the break. Menon did brilliantly to set up Pandolfi, who kept his composure and fired an excellent right-footed finish into the net.
Juric made the expected changes after the interval, but the pattern of the game remained the same. Monza continued to attack in search of another equaliser. At 54', Petagna shielded the ball well inside the box, turned and shot, but Faccioli reacted quickly to make the save. The Milan Futuro goalkeeper also denied Galazzi at 57', keeping out a powerful long-range right-footed strike. Milan Futuro held firm and looked to threaten on the counter-attack, but at 64' Pizzignacco produced a superb save to deny Magrassi. Monza resumed their relentless pressure and came close to making it 2-2 through Birindelli, who burst down the right before seeing two close-range efforts blocked in a crowded penalty area. Juric's side continued to press and pinned their opponents back in the closing stages. At 78', Dany Mota cut inside from the left and curled a low shot just wide of the far corner. A minute later, from a corner kick, Delli Carri rose highest, but substitute goalkeeper Pacileo pulled off a brilliant save to keep Milan Futuro ahead. However, at 82', the rossoneri keeper was finally beaten when Petagna produced a superb through ball for Akinsanmiro, who rounded Pacileo and calmly slotted home his first goal for Monza on his debut.
Monza were not satisfied and kept pushing for a third goal, which arrived at 87'. Forson latched onto another outstanding assist from Petagna and guided a left-footed finish into the far corner from close range. There was still time for one more goal, much to the delight of the packed crowd at the Centro Sportivo Silvio and Luigi Berlusconi-Monzello. Just one minute later, the inspired Petagna once again provided the assist, releasing Akinsanmiro, who finished confidently to make it 4-2. It was a brace for the midfielder, who joined from Inter, as Monza earned warm applause after an entertaining display. It finished 4-2 for Juric's side, who will return to action in their next pre-season friendly against Padova at the Brianteo on Friday, 7th August, at 8:45 PM.
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