UNDER 20: CAGLIARI 2-0 MONZA

After three consecutive victories and strong performances, Monza’s run came to an end away against Cagliari at the CRAI Sport Center. The biancorossi started aggressively and went on the attack immediately. After just one minute, Ballabio broke into the box from the left and set up Reita, but his left-footed shot was blocked by the rossoblu defense.

Oscar Brevi’s side looked proactive and aggressive from the opening minutes. At 10’ Cagliari wasted a big chance with Mendy, who in a counterattack first beat Villa but was then denied by Strajnar. The striker tried again at 17’, but the Monza goalkeeper once again made a great save.

Monza increased the tempo and pushed forward, patiently building play in the opposition half in search of openings, but Cagliari’s defense remained well organized and allowed little space. At 38’ the duel between Mendy and Strajnar resumed: Grandu sprinted down the right and found the striker at the near post, who arrived first on the ball and opened the scoring. The first half ended 1-0.

In the second half, Monza nearly equalized at 6’. Villa timed his run perfectly and headed Buonaiuto’s cross, but the ball struck the crossbar and the rossoblu escaped. Cagliari returned to attack, but Colonnese and his teammates stayed focused and avoided danger.

For the first quarter of the half, Monza controlled possession while searching for the equalizer. At 27’ the Brianzoli came very close to scoring: Attinasi delivered a perfect ball for Fardin, who headed just wide of the corner.

Cagliari responded at 32’ with Mendy, who controlled the ball with his back to goal and shot powerfully but inaccurately. The second goal arrived at 35’ and was scored by Trepy, who had replaced Sugamele and made an immediate impact by converting a penalty.

Monza tried until the end to reduce the deficit, but the final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Cagliari.

In the next round, scheduled for Monday 16th March at 2:00 PM, AC Monza will host Cesena FC.

CAGLIARI CALCIO-AC MONZA 2-0

SCORERS: 38’ ft Mendy (CAG), 35’ st pen. Trepy (CAG)

CAGLIARI CALCIO: Ciocci, Tronci, Malfitano (Goryanov 35’ st), Cogoni, Grandu, Sulev (Roguski 28’ st), Pibiri (Russo 1’ st), Mendy (Costa 35’ st), Franke, Marini, Sugamele (Trepy 1’ st). Substitutes: Kehayov, Doppio, Hamdaoua, Prettenhoffer, Cardu, Mawassa. Coach: Alberto Gallego

AC MONZA: Strajnar, Bagnaschi (De Bonis 16’ st), Azarovs, Villa, Colonnese, Buonaiuto, Reita, Attinasi (Castelli 37’ st), Diene (Ganci 16’ st), Ballabio (Fardin 1’ st), Fogliaro (Gaye 37’ st). Substitutes: Montagna, Romanini, Martone, Abou Elezz, Longhi, Albè. Coach: Oscar Brevi

Yellow cards: Bagnaschi (MON), Grandu (CAG)

Red cards: Reita (MON)

Referee: Mr. Giuseppe Maria Manzo (Mr. Alessandro Rastelli - Mr. Cosimo De Tommaso)