With an acrobatic masterpiece from Birindelli, Monza edged Modena 1-0 in the opening match of the 36th round of Serie B, securing their third consecutive victory. Just like a week ago, the biancorossi temporarily move level at the top of the table with Venezia and pull three points clear of Frosinone.
Almost summer-like temperatures greeted kickoff, with the sun shining over the U-Power Stadium. After a balanced start, the first chance fell to Monza: at 6', Birindelli combined with Petagna and fired at the near post, only to be denied by a crucial save from Pezzolato. Following a spell dominated by the hosts, Modena responded at 10' through Tonoli, who cut inside and aimed for the corner with a low shot that drifted wide. Monza controlled possession well, trying to break down the Emilian defense. At 20', Carboni headed wide and five minutes later Colpani attempted a long-range free kick, but without success. The decisive moment came at 27': Birindelli scored with a spectacular acrobatic volley after the gialloblu defense had cleared Petagna’s shot. It was his fifth league goal, his first since the 4-1 win over Carrarese on December 20th, sending the U-Power Stadium into raptures. Modena struggled to react before halftime, managing only a long-range effort from Tonoli comfortably saved by Thiam and an off-target free kick from Ambrosino. At the break, Monza led 1-0.
Modena pushed forward at the start of the second half but failed to create clear chances. Monza, however, nearly doubled their lead with their first attack of the half: at 51', Carboni unleashed a left-footed diagonal strike from distance, but Pezzolato pulled off another fine save to tip it around the post. Modena responded with a break led by Ambrosino at 53', but his right-footed effort sailed over the bar. Bianco made his first substitutions at 56', bringing on Hernani and Caso. Modena looked more proactive than in the first half and at 58' Dellavalle struck a powerful shot from outside the box that whistled just wide. At 65', the visitors launched a dangerous counterattack, with De Luca setting up Ambrosino in the middle, but Thiam’s save was irrelevant as the play was halted for offside. Bianco made another change at 70', introducing Dany Mota. Monza went forward again at 73' with a sustained move that ended in a right-footed shot from Bakoune, saved by the visiting goalkeeper. In the closing stages, Modena threw everything forward, but Monza’s defense, confirmed as the best in the league, held firm and secured a third consecutive clean sheet.
It finished 1-0 for Bianco’s side, who remain in control of their destiny with two matches still to play.
In the next round, Monza will travel to face Mantova on Friday, May 1st at 3:00 PM.
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