Udinese’s 3-2 win survives Monza’s second-half response

Udinese held on for a 3-2 win over Monza in Serie A, recovering from a late second-half response to take all three goals in a match that finished 3-1 at half-time. The result leaves Monza listed 18th with no points from one game, while Udinese are listed 11th with one point from one game.

Udinese take control before the break

The match opened with both teams using a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Ivan Juric in charge of Monza and Kosta Runjaic leading Udinese. The visitors broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute when Jakub Piotrowski scored from an assist by Hassane Kamara. Monza responded five minutes later, Andrea Colpani converting Ricardo Mangas’ assist to make it 1-1.

Udinese restored their advantage through Kamara in the 45th minute, before Jurgen Ekkelenkamp scored in the same minute to give the visitors a two-goal lead at the interval. Kamara contributed directly to both the opening goal and the third, making him a key figure in Udinese’s first-half control. Piotrowski also made an impact before being replaced at half-time, scoring once and recording three tackles in his 60 minutes.

Monza respond but cannot complete the comeback

Monza reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute through Gustavo Varela, who finished after Ebenezer Akinsanmiro supplied the assist. The goal gave the hosts a route back into the match, but Udinese maintained their advantage through the closing stages. A total of six listed substitutions were made between the teams, including three Monza changes before the hour mark and Udinese alterations involving Piotrowski, Unai Gómez and Keinan Davis.

The only card of the game went to Monza defender Lorenzo Lucchesi, who was booked in the 46th minute. There were no red cards, and Udinese finished with 12 fouls to Monza’s 10.

Stats show an even contest

The scoreline suggested a clear Udinese advantage, but the underlying numbers were closely balanced. Both teams registered 12 total shots and five shots on goal, while Monza had nine shots inside the box to Udinese’s 10. Monza held 54% possession and completed 341 accurate passes compared with Udinese’s 335, although total passes were almost identical at 417 and 418 respectively. Udinese’s three goals therefore came despite Monza having more of the ball, with both goalkeepers making saves and the hosts unable to turn their possession into an equaliser.

Kamara was the standout performer, receiving a 7.8 rating after scoring once, providing an assist and completing one key pass. Varela was Monza’s highest-rated player at 7.5, while Colpani also scored and earned a 7.3 rating. Monza entered the match after a loss and now have another defeat, while Udinese followed their pre-match draw with a victory.