With Monza one of Serie A’s in-form sides since the turn of the year, Champions League chasing AC Milan looked to have their work cut out if they were to cement their spot in the top four. Somewhat against the form book, Milan started brightly and almost asserted their authority on the game in the opening 15 minutes, but in what was a huge let-off for the hosts, Rafael Leão’s wicked strike crashed back off the post.
Brahim Díaz was the next in a long list of Milan players to attempt to find an elusive opener, but this time Monza stopper Michele Di Gregorio didn’t need the help of his woodwork, producing a fine stop to preserve his side’s clean sheet. He was powerless to prevent the fleet-footed Junior Messias firing Milan ahead moments later though, with the Brazilian doing the heavy lifting before firing Milan into a half-time lead via a fortunate rebound off woodwork and goalkeeper.
Monza had only lost one of their last eight games though, and you got the sense at times that one goal may not have been enough. That almost rang true too, but having been saved by the woodwork in the first half, Monza were handed a taste of their own medicine when Patrick Ciurria saw his effort cannon back off the upright in what proved to be their only meaningful chance of the game.
Milan had late chances to seal the points, with Sandro Tonali bringing out the best in Monza’s stopper as his shot angled toward the corner, and Charles De Ketelaere seeing a shot defended away at the last second, when it looked for all the world like a killer second goal for the Rossoneri. Though frustrating to see, those missed chances proved inconsequential, keeping Milan well-embedded in the Champions League spots.
Monza, meanwhile, lost for only the second time in nine games played under Raffaele Palladino at the U-Power Stadium, and still boast a huge gap above the relegation zone, despite being yet to win on home turf since the start of 2023.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Junior Messias (AC Milan)
