Monza and Inter played out a dramatic 2–2 preseason friendly at the U-Power Stadium with Esposito and Azzi trading late blows — Inter edged it in the penalty shootout. Read the full recap, tactical breakdown, injury context, and what this means for Inter Milan’s start to the season.
Monza vs Inter Key Facts
- Result: Monza 2–2 Inter (Inter won the post-match penalty shootout).
- Goals: Patrick Ciurria opened for Monza; an own goal by Birindelli levelled for Inter just before half; Pio Esposito’s clever back-heel gave Inter the lead; Paulo Azzi struck late to make it 2–2.
- Context: The match was a high-intensity preseason friendly at Monza’s U-Power Stadium — Inter used rotated personnel to assess tactical options ahead of Serie A.
- Watching / highlights: Full-match highlights and goal packages are widely available (official highlights and third-party clips on YouTube).
Match recap — how the drama unfolded
Monza and Inter delivered an entertaining friendly that swung back and forth across 90 minutes. Monza took an early (first-half) lead through Patrick Ciurria after a bright attacking move — the home crowd roared as their side looked the more aggressive team in the opening period. Just before half-time Inter forced parity when Davide Birindelli’s intervention redirected a dangerous Dimarco cross into the net as an own goal to make it 1–1 at the break.
Shortly after the restart, Inter’s trickery paid off: Pio Esposito produced a clever back-heel to put the Nerazzurri ahead, a finish that exemplified both composure and improvisation from the young forward. But Monza refused to fold — substitute Paulo Azzi hauled them level in the 89th minute, capping a late comeback and forcing the friendly to be decided from the penalty spot. Inter prevailed in the shootout (reports describe a 5–4 success), giving Simone Inzaghi’s group an opportunity to test pressure scenarios and penalty routines.
Match stats and minute-by-minute coverage show Monza created several good openings and that both coaches used the fixture to give game time to fringe players and trial formations.
Why this friendly mattered — more than just five-aside practice
Preseason friendlies are often dismissed, but this fixture carried practical value for both clubs:
- For Inter Milan: the match allowed experimentation with new patterns, assessment of emerging talents and a chance to rehearse penalty procedures under pressure. With the competitive season looming, evaluating depth — especially in attack and midfield — is essential. Inter’s coaching staff used the game to push tactical permutations and manage minutes across the squad.
- For Monza: hosting a heavyweight like Inter offered an important barometer. Monza — who faced relegation disappointment last season — used the encounter to test recruitment, sharpen set pieces and build morale; late draws and competitive results against top opposition are valuable for confidence and early season momentum.
Tactical breakdown — what both coaches tested
Inter’s approach: Contemporary Inter often favour flexible systems; in this match reports indicate a 3–5–2/3–4–2–1 blend at times, allowing wing-backs to push forward and a compact central spine to control midfield. With key starters missing (either rested or managed for fitness), the coaching staff emphasised pressing triggers and vertical transitions. The Esposito back-heel underscored how Inter sought through-lines close to goal.
Monza’s shape: Monza set up in a 3–4–2–1 with Ciurria and Caprari providing the attacking licence. The home side aimed to exploit wide overloads and quick counters; Ciurria’s opener came from that dynamic. Monza’s late equaliser reflected their persistence and the value of fresh legs off the bench, a theme that will matter in the early league fixtures.
Key tactical takeaways:
- Set piece and crossing vulnerability: The own goal underlined a defensive lapse on Inter’s part (poor clearance/marking).
- Rotation insight: Both managers used the match to rotate heavily; fitness will determine which systems survive the first competitive matches.
- Bench impact: Substitutes changed the game — Azzi’s late involvement was decisive and demonstrates the importance of depth.
Player focus — who impressed (and who worried)
Pio Esposito (Inter): The back-heel equaliser/goal showcased creativity and confidence. For a young attacker, producing decisive moments in front of fans and staff is important for selection considerations.Patrick Ciurria (Monza): Opened the scoring and demonstrated movement between the lines, providing Monza with their primary offensive thrust in the first half.
Paulo Azzi (Monza): Impact sub who levelled late — a reminder that Monza’s bench carries match-winning potential.
Davide Birindelli (Monza) — own goal: Unlucky redirection that evened the match — such incidents are reminders about concentration on dangerous crosses.
Inter’s rotation players: Several fringe and youth players logged competitive minutes — a positive for squad evaluation though the lack of a cohesive first XI performance raised questions about readiness for high-intensity league fixtures.
Injury & squad-management notes
Preseason is as much about avoiding new injuries as building fitness. Reports noted that both teams managed minutes carefully and used the fixture to monitor recovery of players returning from summer workloads. Inter officials will pay particular attention to availability ahead of Serie A kick-off; non-starter minutes were prioritised for fitness and tactical assimilation. Always check official club channels for any post-match injury bulletins.
Historical context — Monza vs Inter head-to-head & what this result means
Historically Inter have the upper hand in the matchup, but Monza’s competitiveness in recent seasons has narrowed that gap. Recent H2H records show Inter dominate overall, yet friendlies and cup ties can produce surprises — and a spirited draw (plus a shootout win) is not a negative outcome for Monza’s seasonal prep. For Inter, failing to secure a regulation-time win against lower-rated opposition serves as a wake-up call to sharpen tactical cohesion.
How fans watched — broadcast & highlights
- Italy / domestic: The friendly was streamed/broadcast on local sports channels and platforms (Sportitalia / OneFootball coverage and similar regional feeds). For fans outside Italy, highlights and condensed match packages appear quickly on major sports outlets and YouTube highlight reels.
- Where to find highlights: Official club channels (Monza and Inter social accounts) plus platforms such as OneFootball and YouTube posted goal clips and full-match highlights shortly after final whistle. Paid & free streaming options vary by territory; check local listings or streaming services that carry preseason content.
What coaches / media said (press reaction)
Early match reports and local press framed the game as competitive and instructive. Inter’s coaching staff emphasised the utility of evaluating penalties and bench impact under pressure; Monza’s coach celebrated the team’s resilience and late goal as a sign of belief despite last season’s relegation woes. Media headlines varied — some praised the drama of a late equaliser; others focused on Inter’s inability to control the match.
What this means for the season — implications for Inter Milan
- Depth test: Inter’s use of rotated personnel showed there are options — but the lack of a fully convincing performance suggests fine-tuning is required before the competitive start.
- Psychological takeaway: Winning on penalties gives Inter a controlled victory narrative, yet the team will want to display stronger 90-minute dominance against quality opposition once the Serie A campaign begins.
- Scouting & selection: Young players (Esposito, others) made claims for minutes; coaching decisions in the coming weeks will indicate whether they make the first XI or remain rotational options.
Practical preview — Monza’s early season priorities
Monza’s preseason aim is clear: rebuild confidence, solidify a promotion push (if in Serie B) or stabilise if they’re continuing in Serie A, and use results like this to attract momentum. Their tactical resilience — late goals, bench impact — will be a recurring theme early in the season. The club’s recruitment and retention decisions will be pivotal.