Antonio Sanabria successfully converted a penalty, securing a crucial victory for Torino over Monza and bolstering their aspirations for European qualification.
Entering the match, only a solitary point distinguished these two sides, with both coming off favorable outcomes in their previous encounters. Notably, key players such as Koffi Djidji, Ivan Ilic, and Perr Schuurs remained sidelined, while William Bondo faced suspension. Additionally, Danilo D’Ambrosio, Gianluca Caprari, and Samuele Vignato were absent from the traveling squad.
Throughout the game, notable defensive interventions were observed, including Daniel Maldini’s blocked attempt within the penalty area and Armando Izzo’s pivotal stops on Duvan Zapata. Monza, despite their efforts, encountered misfortune as Andrea Colpani’s potent strike narrowly missed its mark due to a deflection by Samuele Ricci. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio demonstrated agility in thwarting Zapata’s scoring opportunities.
Both teams exhibited attacking prowess, with headers from Andrea Carboni and Alessandro Buongiorno testing the opposing goalkeepers. Di Gregorio’s acrobatic save denied David Okereke’s low finish, while Milan Djuric’s header narrowly missed the target following a cross from Dany Mota Carvalho.
The turning point arrived when Torino was awarded a penalty after Matteo Pessina’s foul on Samuele Ricci, subsequently converted by Sanabria. Monza’s woes compounded as Pessina received a second yellow card for a subsequent challenge on Ricci, forcing them to play with ten men.
Despite Di Gregorio’s heroics in goal, Torino maintained their lead. Late in the game, controversy ensued as both Mota Carvalho and Matteo Lovato attempted to strike the ball simultaneously in the penalty area. However, the referee opted to continue play, with VAR refraining from intervention despite Monza’s appeals for a penalty.
Torino 1-0 Monza