Monza v Milan Live Commentary & Result, 18/2/23, Serie A

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
1	NAP Napoli	38	28	6	4	77	28	+49	90	W D W L W
2	LAZ Lazio	38	22	8	8	60	30	+30	74	W W W D L
3	INT Internazionale	38	23	3	12	71	42	+29	72	W W L W W
4	MIL Milan	38	20	10	8	64	43	+21	70	W W W L W
5	ATA Atalanta	38	19	7	12	66	48	+18	64	W L W L L
6	ROM Roma	38	18	9	11	50	38	+12	63	W L D D L
7	JUV Juventus	38	22	6	10	56	33	+23	62	W L L W W
8	FIO Fiorentina	38	15	11	12	53	43	+10	56	W W D W L
9	BOL Bologna	38	14	12	12	53	49	+4	54	W D W D D
10	TOR Torino	38	14	11	13	42	41	+1	53	L W D W D
11	MON Monza	38	14	10	14	48	52	-4	52	L L W W D
12	UDI Udinese	38	11	13	14	47	48	-1	46	L L L L W
13	SAS Sassuolo	38	12	9	17	47	61	-14	45	L D L L D
14	EMP Empoli	38	10	13	15	37	49	-12	43	L D W D W
15	SAL Salernitana	38	9	15	14	48	62	-14	42	L W D W L
16	LEC Lecce	38	8	12	18	33	46	-13	36	L W D D L
17	SPE Spezia	38	6	13	19	31	62	-31	31	L L D W L
18	VER Hellas Verona	38	7	10	21	31	59	-28	31	L D L L W
19	CRE Cremonese	38	5	12	21	36	69	-33	27	W L L L W
20	SAM Sampdoria	38	3	10	25	24	71	-47	19	L D L D L

That's all from Monza today, so thank you for joining us and goodbye!

While Monza must recover from seeing their unbeaten start to Serie A's second phase ended before they face Salernitana next week, Milan are at home to another local side, Atalanta, in eight days time.

That's three wins on the spin for Milan, whose mid-season stumble seems to have been halted, and the champions record back-to-back Serie A victories by edging out regional rivals Monza. The margin of their success could have been greater if Leao had enjoyed more fortune in front of goal and Di Gregorio was not so inspired, but the Rossoneri nonetheless complete a league double over their neighbours. It wasn't always pretty, but three more points could prove important in the race for a top four finish; meanwhile, Monza suffer a first top-flight defeat of 2023.

90' + 5' FULL-TIME: MONZA 0-1 MILAN

90' + 4' From nearly 25 yards out, Ciurria scuffs an ambitious effort wide of the right-hand post, and that was surely the wrong option at this stage. Could that be Monza's last chance to equalise?

90' + 2' Bakayoko and Tonali both make blocks on the edge of their own area, as Milan drop deep inside their defensive third. Then the ball suddenly drops to Izzo near the penalty spot, but the defender slashes at his shot and sends the ball spiralling high over the crossbar.

90' The officials indicate a minimum of five minutes stoppage time at the end of this second half, and Milan must hold on a little while longer. They've started to tire after their efforts against Tottenham in midweek.

87' Monza push on in search of a late equaliser, as Machin tries his luck and Pablo Mari then sees a shot blocked. Still, there's no way through for the Biancorossi, and time is running out.

85' SUPER SAVE! Di Gregorio is at it again, as he twice keeps Milan from doubling their lead! First, Giroud's flick lands at the feet of Pirlo, who tries to pass the ball into the bottom-right corner, but the goalkeeper denies him at full stretch - then Saelemaekers finds his attempt to turn in the rebound smothered!

M. Valoti

Dany Mota

83' Palladino's final roll of the dice sees Valoti introduced for Mota.

T. Bakayoko

R. Krunić

83' Bakayoko replaces Krunic in midfield for Milan, with the latter having got through plenty of hard work in Bennacer's absence.

81' Sensi tries a clipped throughball from around 30 yards out: not only is it overhit, though, but Gytkjaer is not on the same wavelength and the ball drifts harmlessly over the byline.

A. Rebić

Rafael Leão

79' A frustrating shift for Leao comes to an end - on another day he could have had a hat-trick - as Rebic is thrown on for the closing stages.

77' Monza are going more direct now, and Gytkjaer's flick-on from the edge of the box forces Krunic to concede a corner on the right-hand side. However, the hosts can't make anything of it and ultimately lose the ball.

75' Though he was unable to stop Messias' well-struck shot in the first half, Di Gregorio clearly rises to the occasion against Serie A's top sides. He has now made five saves today, following his impressive eight-save show against Juventus at the end of January.

73' OFF THE POST! Milan escape! Not only does Ciurria rattle the woodwork with a low shot that strikes the bottom of the right-hand post, but the ball bounces back off Tatarusanu and then trundles just wide via the same upright! That could so easily have snuck in!

C. Gytkjær

Marlon

71' An attacking switch indicates Palladino's desire to salvage something from this game, as a centre-forward Gytkjaer comes on for a defender, Marlon.

S. Sensi

N. Rovella

70' Monza make two further changes, with time ticking away. First, Rovella is replaced by Sensi in central midfield.

M. Thiaw

Yellow Card

69' The bookings count climbs higher during a niggly second half, as Thiaw sees yellow for a foul on Mota.

68' SAVE! Leao comes close again, as his swift footwork leaves Marlon standing and a drive towards the left-hand post is repelled by Di Gregorio!

66' Ciurria covers across rapidly to block off a typical Hernandez surge into the opposition box, and though Milan's captain claims a penalty the referee is not at all interested.

A. Saelemaekers

Junior Messias

64' Finally, a change on the right flanks sees goalscorer Messias make way for Saelemaekers.

O. Giroud

D. Origi

64' Origi's fruitless shift up front comes to an end; Giroud is introduced in his place.

C. De Ketelaere

Brahim Díaz

64' Pioli decides fresh legs are needed to see this result over the line. The first substitution of a triple change sees Diaz replaced by De Ketelaere.

José Machín

Yellow Card

63' For leaving a little extra on Hernandez in a challenge by the touchline, Machin is shown a yellow card only minutes after coming on.

N. Rovella

Yellow Card

62' After seeing his own shot blocked, Rovella has to chase back and recover the ball. Diaz is escaping quickly on the counter, though, so a pull on the Milan man's jersey results in a booking.

F. Carboni

S. Birindelli

59' Carboni also comes on; in his case for Birindelli, who has just been booked.

José Machín

A. Petagna

59' Palladino blinks first, and introduces two substitutes on the hour mark. First, Petagna makes way for Machin.

57' MISS! After Diaz and Leao combine quickly around 30 yards from goal, Hernandez has the chance to catch Di Gregorio out of position. However, his chipped effort from the edge of the box lacks precision and drops the wrong side of the post; rustling the outside of the netting on its way wide!

56' Monza build some pressure following a corner on the left, but Milan hold firm and keep the tide of Biancorossi shirts at bay.

S. Birindelli

Yellow Card

54' Birindelli hits the deck in the box under challenge from Hernandez, but rather being awarded a penalty, the referee judges he dived. He receives a booking for simulation.

53' SAVE! After Mota bundles the ball across to Petagna on the edge of Milan's area, the latter can't catch his strike cleanly and shoots straight at Tatarusanu! That's a decent chance spurned by the big striker.

52' Origi's cutback from the right byline is easily cut out in the centre by Pablo Mari, and the Milan striker remains a muted presence up front today.

50' Rovella gets away with an error inside his own area, as Messias' ball over the top catches Monza out and Tonali almost capitalises on the former's clumsy header.

48' The referee halts play after Hernandez is rather too vocal in his complaints about being grabbed by Birindelli, and after a stern chat with the Milan skipper, the action resumes.

46' Milan kick off, and we are back under way in Monza!

Milan are unbeaten in their last 12 Serie A matches when leading at half-time (W10, D2) dating back to last January, so even accounting for their recent mid-season wobble, the Rossoneri are firm favourites to seal the deal during the second half.

Not always fluent, but often a threat, Milan lead at the break thanks to some Messias magic and their goalkeeper's solid start. Twice, Tatarusanu was called upon to make saves in the opening stages, before the visitors gradually grew into the game and saw Leao go close on a couple of occasions before they went 1-0 ahead. Monza faded after their early salvo, but are not often beaten at home these days and are unlikely to throw the towel in just yet.

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: MONZA 0-1 MILAN

45' + 3' Origi is back in action when Messias has to track back and block the ball behind for what first appears to be a Monza corner, but it deflected back off Caprari and Milan instead have a goal-kick.

45' + 1' In the first of two minutes of stoppage time indicated by the officials, Origi is felled by Izzo and requires treatment from the Milan medics. The action is brought to a halt.

44' A flat ball over the top by Hernandez is headed away from the area by Pablo Mari, who demonstrates some authority in the Monza defence.

42' Kalulu stands firm to stop Pessina delivering the ball into the box from the left-hand side of the area, before the referee rules that the Monza captain committed a foul in the process.

40' Monza have crept a few yards further up the pitch over the past few minutes, perhaps spurred by falling behind. They are not used to losing at home these days, so are sure to put up a fight for the remainder of the game.

38' Rovella's outswinging corner from the right-hand side is headed clear of the box at the near post by opening goalscorer Messias, who is back on defensive duty for Milan.

36' Monza have a record of W0, D3, L2 when conceding the opening goal at home in Serie A this season, while Milan's reads W10, D1, L0 when finding the net first.

R. Krunić

Yellow Card

34' The referee doesn't hesitate to reach for his pocket, as Krunic crudely hacks down Pessina in midfield and receives a yellow card.

Junior Messias

Goal

31' MILAN LEAD 1-0! It's been coming! With the ball bobbling around just inside Monza's area, nobody seems to be able to take control of the situation. Messias takes decisive action, though, as the Brazilian winger takes a touch to control it with his studs before swivelling and striking at goal: it finds the bottom corner via Di Gregorio's glove, and Milan go in front!

29' GOOD STOP! Di Gregorio is back in action again, as Tomori finds himself free on the left side of the box and unleashes a powerful strike at goal. The goalkeeper quickly flies across to tip the ball away to safety!

Marlon

Yellow Card

27' A reckless lunge from behind on Leao earns Marlon the game's first yellow card. That was a clear booking.

25' SUPER SAVE! Messias wins the ball in midfield and Milan spring a quick attack. Leao receives the ball and tries to find the bottom corner with a firm low drive, but Di Gregorio reacts well to deny him! Diaz attempts to convert the rebound but the Monza keeper is ready again to smother the ball at his feet!

23' Mota wriggles away from Tomori on the left side of the area, but his low cross is rather awkwardly controlled and drilled away to safety by Thiaw in the centre.

21' After Leao's little dash of magic, a familiar pattern resumes: either side builds up patiently but any attacks founder as soon as they reach the final third.

19' OFF THE POST! A wonderful inswinging strike from outside the box comes close to opening the scoring for Milan, as Leao steps inside and curls a powerful right-footer against the top of the post! It then glances behind for a goal-kick.

17' With either side lining up in a similar formation, they are cancelling each other out somewhat; some inspiration is needed to bring this game out of its lull.

15' After a brief flurry of activity at the start of the game, the tempo has dropped substantially as both teams figure each other out. It's all cautious midfield fare at the moment.

13' Some fine home form has played its part in Monza's ascent to 10th place this year, as the Biancorossi are unbeaten in seven of their last eight league matches on home soil - though they have drawn each of their last three.

11' Following an apparently innocuous challenge in midfield, Hernandez pulls up suddenly and then drops to the turf with a grimace. Still limping a little, he eventually returns to his feet and the action continues.

9' Too eager to chase down a throughball to the left side of the area, Mota bundles Kalulu over and concedes a free-kick. Monza are keen to close their visitors down, perhaps sensing some vulnerability given recent events.

7' Though Origi is able to force a corner with some sharp closing down near the right byline, Milan fail to make anything of the subsequent set-piece.

5' Milan's first effort at goal sees Origi's shot from the left side of the box saved quite comfortably in the centre of the goal by Di Gregorio.

2' SAVE! Tatarusanu to the rescue again! The stand-in stopper may have found replacing Maignan a challenge over the past few weeks, but he is sharply down to his near post again, after Petagna's diving header almost sneaks in following a corner! Milan are on the ropes!

1' SHARP STOP! Pouncing on a sloppy start by Milan, Ciurria slips in behind Messias down the left side of the area and forces Tatarusanu into a save at his near post! He has to be alert to stop the champions going one goal behind!

1' The hosts kick off, and we are under way at Stadio Brianteo!

The players are out on the pitch as the sun sets in Monza, and kick-off is now just moments away!

Again without both first-choice goalkeeper Mike Maignan and midfield regular Ismael Bennacer, Milan at least welcome back Tomori today, and the Englishman replaces Kjaer in the visitors' back three. Though Giroud is offered a rare rest, recent returnee Ibrahimovic is not yet ready to start and joins the French forward among the substitutes - Origi leads the line up front instead.

Injured wing-back Carlos Augusto is Monza's only first-choice player to miss out today, as the versatile Ciurria switches over to the left wing and Birindelli replaces last week's match-winner Donati on the right. The hosts' captain Pessina spent time in Milan's primavera but never played for the Rossoneri's first team, and he will start in midfield alongside Juventus loanee Rovella.

SUBS: Antonio Mirante, Devis Vasquez, Fode Ballo-Toure, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Sergino Dest, Olivier Giroud, Yacine Adli, Simon Kjaer, Alexis Saelemaekers, Ante Rebic, Tommaso Pobega, Charles de Ketelaere, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Aster Vranckx, Matteo Gabbia.

MILAN (3-4-3): Ciprian Tatarusanu; Pierre Kalulu, Fikayo Tomori, Malick Thiaw; Junior Messias, Sandro Tonali, Rade Krunic, Theo Hernandez; Brahim Diaz, Divock Origi, Rafael Leao.

SUBS: Alessio Cragno, Alessandro Sorrentino, Jose Machin, Valentin Antov, Franco Carboni, Marco D'Alessandro, Andrea Barberis, Filippo Ranocchia, Stefano Sensi, Giulio Donati, Andrea Colpani, Luca Caldirola, Christian Gytkjaer, Mattia Valoti.

MONZA (3-4-2-1): Michele Di Gregorio; Armando Izzo, Pablo Mari, Marlon Santos; Samuele Birindelli, Matteo Pessina, Nicolo Rovella, Patrick Ciurria; Dany Mota, Gianluca Caprari; Andrea Petagna.

After back-to-back wins halted their mid-season slide, Milan aim to continue their revival at the expense of their near neighbours today. A seven-game winless run - which included two defeats to city rivals Inter - has seen them slide some 21 points adrift of league leaders Napoli, and with their Scudetto defence all but over, the Rossoneri's main target is to finish inside the top four. After beating Torino last week, Stefano Pioli's men returned to the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in nine years; edging last-16 opponents Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at San Siro and nicely setting up that tie's second leg next month.

Separated by a chasm in terms of history, but only five places in the Serie A standings, today Monza host Milan for the first time ever in the Italian top flight. The Biancorossi's unbeaten start to 2023 has seen them recover from a shaky start to the season, which included a 4-1 defeat to their Lombardy rivals at San Siro. They followed up a second win of the campaign over Juventus by beating Bologna 1-0 last weekend, and since Raffalele Palladino took charge in September, they have accrued 28 points from 16 games - with only Napoli, Juventus and Inter picking up more during that time. In fact, that tally represents one more than Milan.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of today's Serie A clash between Monza and Milan at Stadio Brianteo!

Monza v Milan Live Commentary, 19/2/23

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