Monza and Padova played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Brianteo Stadium in their final pre-season friendly before the biancorossi's official Coppa Italia debut.
More than two months after the magical night that secured promotion to Serie A, football returned to Monza's home ground. At 8' the hosts created the first chance of the match with a fine attacking move. Colpani cut inside from the right and found Petagna, who switched the ball to Dany Mota on the left, but his shot was comfortably saved by former Monza goalkeeper Sorrentino. Juric's side controlled possession and looked to make the most of the wide areas. At 17' Colpani delivered a perfectly floated free kick into the box and Carboni's header narrowly missed the far top corner. Padova threatened for the first time a minute later when former Monza forward Caprari headed over from a cross delivered from the left. Monza continued to attack and at 22' Galazzi came within inches of making it 1-0 with a low left-footed shot across goal. The intense summer heat affected both teams, but the game continued to provide plenty of excitement. At 39' Birindelli struck a superb right-footed volley that narrowly missed what would have been a spectacular goal. The first half ended goalless.
Monza came flying out of the blocks after the break and at 47' Birindelli won a penalty after stealing the ball from Lovato, who then brought him down. Captain Pessina, Monza's reliable penalty specialist, calmly converted from the spot at 48' to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. Padova responded immediately and, just two minutes later, were awarded a penalty of their own following a challenge between Kouadio and Fusi. Former Monza player Caprari stepped up and powered home the equaliser at 51'.
The match burst into life. At 55' Galazzi tested Sorrentino with an excellent left-footed strike. The Padova goalkeeper then produced two outstanding saves within seconds at 57' to deny his former Club. First he reacted brilliantly to Colpani's powerful low free kick before keeping out Delli Carri's close-range effort from a crowded penalty area following Birindelli's cross. Monza's second goal was only delayed and finally arrived at 61' when Dany Mota headed home after Pessina's left-footed attempt. At the same minute, Juric introduced several substitutes, giving valuable playing time to those who had started on the bench. Among Padova's changes was Lasagna, who made an immediate impact by scoring the 2-2 at 66' with a close-range left-footed finish after Delli Carri had initially cleared the ball off the line. The goal festival at the Brianteo Stadium was far from over. At 67' referee Pelaia awarded the third penalty of the evening after Fusi fouled Varela. This time it was Cutrone who stepped up, confidently sending Sorrentino the wrong way to restore Monza's lead at 3-2. Monza continued to push forward in search of another goal. At 70' debutant Mangas cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful right-footed effort that Sorrentino did well to keep out. At 76' Akinsanmiro controlled the ball, picked his spot and narrowly missed making it 4-2. Padova held firm and found the strength to equalise once again when Lasagna sprinted through at 89', beat Pizzignacco and completed his brace. Monza almost snatched a dramatic late winner immediately afterwards, but Mangas' effort hit the outside of the net.
The match ended 3-3 after an entertaining and eventful contest, bringing Juric's side's pre-season campaign to a close. In one week's time, Monza will return to the Brianteo Stadium, once again at the same kick-off time, to face Avellino in the Coppa Italia Round of 64.
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