In a captivating match at San Siro, Inter Milan showcased their resilience by overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Monza 3-2. This victory extends Inter’s lead to four points over Napoli in the league standings, pending Napoli’s game against Fiorentina. The match was a rollercoaster, with Monza initially taking a commanding lead.
Monza surprised the home crowd by taking the lead in the 32nd minute with a goal from Birindelli. Just before halftime, Keita Baldé doubled Monza’s advantage in the 44th minute. However, Inter responded quickly, with Arnautovic scoring in added time of the first half to reduce the deficit.
The second half saw Inter’s resurgence. Calhanoglu leveled the score with a powerful right-footed strike in the 64th minute. The comeback was completed in the 77th minute when an own goal by Kyriakopoulos sealed a 3-2 victory for Inter. With this win, Inzaghi’s Inter temporarily sits four points ahead of Napoli, awaiting the results of Napoli vs Fiorentina and the high-profile clash between Juventus and Atalanta.
Match Summary
Goals: 32′ Birindelli (M), 44′ Keita (M), 45+1′ Arnautovic (I), 64′ Calhanoglu (I), 77′ own goal Kyriakopoulos (M)
Lineups:
Inter (3-5-2): J.Martinez; Pavard (46′ Bisseck), De Vrij (46′ Carlos Augusto), Acerbi; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan (69′ Zielinski, 72′ Correa), Bastoni; Arnautovic (69′ Thuram), Lautaro. Coach: Inzaghi
Monza (3-5-2): Turati; Pereira, Izzo (86′ Brorsson), D’Ambrosio; Birindelli (86′ Vignato), Zeroli, Bianco, Castrovilli (67′ Lekovic), Kyriakopoulos; Keita (77′ Caprari), Mota (67′ Ganvoula). Coach: Nesta.
Referee: Zufferli
Booked: Izzo (M)
Sent off: None
Key Moments
82′ – Inter hits the post! Lautaro sets up Thuram, whose first-time shot strikes the woodwork.
77′ – GOAL INTER! Carlos Augusto’s cross for Lautaro results in a decisive touch by Kyriakopoulos, deflecting the ball past Turati and into the net for an own goal.
64′ – GOAL INTER! Bisseck provides the assist for Calhanoglu, who scores with a fantastic shot into the corner, leaving Turati helpless.
62′ – Lautaro’s header from a good position goes over the bar.
50′ – Dumfries beats Kyriakopoulos and attempts to surprise Turati, who makes a good save.
45+1′ – GOAL INTER! Inter quickly reduces the deficit as Dumfries heads the ball down for Arnautovic, who scores with a header.
44′ – GOAL MONZA! Incredible! Keita doubles Monza’s lead with a stunning curler into the top corner.
37′ – Dumfries, set up by Barella, shoots weakly at Turati, missing a good opportunity.
32′ – GOAL MONZA! Great play by Monza, Birindelli exchanges passes with Dani Mota and beats Martinez with a diagonal shot.
24′ – Goal disallowed for Inter! Lautaro scores from a corner, but it’s ruled out for a handball.
22′ – Inter chance: Barella’s cross finds Arnautovic, whose header is saved by Turati.
21′ – Barella finds Bastoni, who shoots high.
6′ – Monza’s first attempt: Keita shoots from distance, wide of the goal.