With a goal by McTominay in the 72nd minute, Napoli secured a 1-0 win at the U-Power Stadium, but Monza held their heads high after playing on equal terms with Conte’s side and coming close to taking the lead on several occasions.
The Biancorossi defended well in the opening stages, not allowing any real chances to the Azzurri. The first shot of the match came from Birindelli in the 11th minute, sending the ball just wide. In the 14th minute, a fine move led to a cross from Akpa Akpro for Dany Mota, who was intercepted at the last moment for a corner by the visiting defense. Napoli responded in the 17th minute with a free kick from McTominay, which was saved by Turati. Two minutes later, Rrahmani headed wide from a corner on the left. Monza remained lively and responded in the 29th minute with a brilliant solo effort from Castrovilli, who narrowly missed the far post with a right-footed shot after a fine move past Rrahmani. Nesta’s team showed great spirit and solidity, making it hard for Napoli to find space. Monza came close again in the 42nd minute, first with a dangerous corner that no one managed to get a touch on, and immediately after with a shot from Bianco deflected by Mota that startled Meret. Napoli reappeared in the 44th minute when Lukaku failed to get a decisive touch in a scramble. However, just before the break, it was once again Monza who nearly took the lead: a low left-footed cross from Kyriakopoulos whizzed across the Napoli box, with Dany Mota just inches away from the decisive touch. It was an excellent first half from Monza, who went into the break at 0-0.
Nesta’s side started the second half well too. In the 54th minute, the lively Castrovilli appealed for a penalty after a push from Rrahmani, but referee La Penna waved play on. Nesta made his first substitution in the 67th minute, bringing on Gagliardini. In the 69th minute, Napoli had their first real chance of the second half with a counterattack from Politano, whose shot was well stopped by Turati in two attempts. However, the Biancorossi goalkeeper could do nothing to stop McTominay’s header in the 72nd minute, which made it 0-1. A harsh punishment for Monza, who found themselves undeservedly behind. Nesta responded by bringing on Ganvoula in the 76th minute. Raspadori came on for Napoli and immediately made an impact with a deflected shot, easily collected by Turati. In the 84th minute, more changes were made by the Biancorossi, with Ciurria and Urbański entering the pitch. The team from Brianza kept pushing until the end of the three minutes of added time, which ended with a dangerous deflected shot from Caprari, but the score remained unchanged. Napoli claimed a 1-0 victory, temporarily joining Inter at the top of the league table.
The Biancorossi will return to action on Sunday, April 27 at 6 p.m., away against Juventus.
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