Como and Monza continue to struggle in the relegation zone following a fiercely contested Lombardy Derby, where both teams had significant opportunities to secure a late victory. The match highlighted the desperation of both sides, each fighting to escape the bottom three of the Serie A table.
The encounter was characterized by its intensity, with Como and Monza separated by just one point in the standings. Como faced challenges with key players missing due to injuries and suspensions, including Alberto Dossena, while Monza also dealt with absences, including Armando Izzo and Matteo Pessina.
The match began with early chances for both teams. Alieu Fadera came close for Como, curling a shot just wide from the edge of the area. Monza’s Giorgos Kyriakopoulos tested goalkeeper Pepe Reina with a powerful strike, but it was Nico Paz’s missed header from a corner that proved costly.
Monza had their own missed opportunity when Luca Caldirola’s header from a set piece went straight to Reina. This miss became even more significant when Como took the lead shortly after. A corner from Gabriel Strefezza led to a diving header from Edoardo Goldaniga that inadvertently assisted Yannik Engelhardt, who nodded it in at the near post.
Just before halftime, Strefezza nearly doubled Como’s lead after being set up by Patrick Cutrone, but his shot was blocked at the last moment by Alessandro Bianco.
The second half saw a pivotal moment when a free-kick routine led to a penalty for Monza after VAR intervention. Gianluca Caprari converted the penalty, sending Reina the wrong way to equalize for Monza.
As the match approached its conclusion, Monza had a golden opportunity to clinch victory. Daniel Maldini delivered an inspired back-heel flick to Milan Djuric, but Djuric’s effort hit the post as he stretched for the finish.
In a dramatic finale, Simone Verdi whipped in a cross for Andrea Belotti, who almost scored with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
With both teams failing to secure crucial points, Como and Monza remain entrenched in their fight against relegation as they look ahead to future matches in hopes of turning their fortunes around.
Goals: Engelhardt 36 (C), Caprari pen 54 (M)
Como (4-2-3-1): Reina; Van der Brempt (68′ Iovine), Goldaniga, Kempf, Moreno (83′ Sala); Da Cunha, Engelhardt; Strefezza (87′ Gabrielloni), Paz, Fadera (68′ Verdi); Cutrone (68′ Belotti)
Monza (3-4-2-1): Turati; Carboni, Pablo Marì, Caldirola (81′ D’Ambrosio); Pereira (68′ Birindelli), Bianco, Bondo, Kyriakopoulos; Caprari (81′ Valoti), Mota (46′ Maldini); Djuric
