The hosts, who had seen their recent charge towards the top half stilted by back-to-back defeats ‘to-nil‘, started slowly on a sunny day in Northern Italy, with the opening exchanges witnessing a familiar lack of intensity that’s plagued Monza’s year so far. The Biancorossi hadn’t previously triumphed here in 2023, and Empoli nearly took advantage of their tentative start when visiting forward Martin Satriano’s cute header appeared to have opened the scoring, but it was ruled out for offside by the semi-automated VAR technology built for such crucial moments.
Despite the visitors’ dominance, Monza exposed a flaw in Empoli’s rear-guard almost 20 minutes in. Patrick Ciurria’s wicked low finish after some impressive work from Andrea Petagna marked a slick goal and Petagna’s fifth Serie A (SA) assist of the season. Clearly boosted by their surprise opener, Monza went close to doubling their lead through another Ciurria effort, though their own backline never looked truly at ease throughout an entertaining first half.
Monza have collected all of their eight SA wins after scoring first (D1, L2), and unsurprisingly decided that the best course of action was a physical approach against an Empoli side who threw everything at them for an equaliser. But after a fiery opening to the second half, the hosts’ defence eventually wilted under incessant pressure, as Satriano snatched a headed goal via a whipped Răzvan Marin cross.
The Tuscany-based team smelt blood and looked likely to take the lead as they continued to flood their hosts’ penalty area. They went close several times, most notably when Monza stopper Michele Di Gregorio was forced into a wonderful save from Marin’s creative attempt directly from a corner-kick. However, it was a Monza set piece that would prove decisive, as Armando Izzo headed in from Gianluca Caprari’s corner to give his side a scarcely-deserved lead.
Monza’s home faithful might have been holding their breath, as Empoli refused to take defeat lying down, but they were able to quell their tiring opponents through some last-ditch defending. The final result represented more disappointment for coach Paolo Zanetti, with Empoli’s winless SA run stretching to five games on a tough afternoon.
Flashcore Man of the Match: Andrea Petagna (Monza)
