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Pre-match note ↓
Serie A · Matchday 5

Monza

G. Varela 51', 63'

2 – 1

FT

 

HT 0–0

Sassuolo

V. Adzic 88'

Serie A

Matchday 5

Monza2–1Sassuolo

1.51

Expected goals

1.47

51′63′88′

Shot-by-shot xG is not available for this fixture, so the race is shown as full-time totals: MON 1.51, SAS 1.47.

MONSAS· U-Power Stadium, Monza

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Pre-match note

Monza's Tactical Resilience Faces Sassuolo's Fluid Attack

As Monza prepares to host Sassuolo in Serie A, the matchup promises a fascinating contrast in styles. Monza's defensive solidity will be put to the test against Sassuolo's dynamic forward play.

Monza enters this fixture looking to solidify their defensive organization. Known for their compact shape, they have relied on a disciplined backline that prioritizes structure over expansive play. The midfield has often been tasked with breaking up opposition attacks, and this will be crucial against Sassuolo's quick transitions.

Sassuolo, on the other hand, thrives on fluidity and movement. Their attacking players interchange positions seamlessly, creating mismatches for opposing defenses. With a focus on quick passing and rapid ball progression, they can exploit any gaps left by Monza’s defensive line. The ability of Sassuolo’s forwards to exploit space will be a key battle in this matchup.

The midfield duel will be particularly intriguing. Monza’s midfielders will need to assert control to disrupt Sassuolo's rhythm. They must anticipate the runs of Sassuolo’s attacking players and break up their play before it develops. If they can maintain possession and dictate the tempo, Monza could stifle Sassuolo's attacking flair.

Conversely, Sassuolo's midfielders will look to facilitate quick transitions. Their ability to win second balls and launch counter-attacks will be vital. If they can bypass Monza's press, they stand a good chance of creating goal-scoring opportunities. The interplay between their midfield and forwards will be essential in breaking down Monza's organized defense.

Defensively, Sassuolo will need to be wary of Monza's counter-attacking threats. Monza has shown the ability to strike quickly and effectively, particularly through wide areas. The full-backs will need to balance their attacking instincts with defensive responsibilities, ensuring they do not leave their center-backs exposed against swift transitions.

As both teams prepare for this encounter, the tactical nuances of the game will be on full display. Monza’s resilience against Sassuolo’s creativity presents a compelling narrative. The outcome may hinge on which team can impose their style and adapt to the challenges posed by their opponent.

Fixture #1550133 · All upcoming previews · Match insights

Match report

Monza 2-1 Sassuolo

Monza edged out Sassuolo 2-1 at U-Power Stadium in Serie A. Varela opened the scoring for Monza on 51', Varela added his second on 63' from the penalty spot and Adzic pulled one back for Sassuolo on 88'.

Expected goals finished Monza 1.51, Sassuolo 1.47. The scoreline is a fair reflection of who created more. Sassuolo held 65.0% of the ball.

The numbers picked up more than the scoreline shows. Monza graded out for low-block fortress — 35.0% possession and 3 shots blocked. Monza graded out for counter-punch — 35.0% possession and 1.51 expected goals.

Gustavo Varela came out of it with the best individual rating on the pitch, 8.3 for Monza from 2 goals, 3 key passes and 2 shots.

Assembled by TackleZone from this fixture’s match events, team statistics and player ratings. Figures are as reported by the competition feed; where a statistic was not reported, it is left out rather than shown as zero. Longer written analysis is published for selected matches.

Quick stats

35%Possession65%
15Shots20
1.51xG1.47

What the numbers say

4 reads

Low-Block Fortress

Monza

Monza handed over the ball and defended the box in numbers — 10 shots blocked or saved on 35.0% of possession.

Possession
35.0%
Shots blocked
3
Saves
7
Conceded
1

Counter-Punch

Monza

Monza were happy without the ball and still created more — 1.51 xG from 35.0% possession.

Possession
35.0%
Expected goals
1.51
Opponent xG
1.47

Late Drama

Both teams

The game was still moving in the closing minutes — Sassuolo scored on 88′.

Goals after 80′
1
Last goal
88′

Busy Goalkeeper

Monza

Monza leaned on their goalkeeper, who made 7 saves.

Saves
7
Faced xG
1.47
Conceded
1

Timeline

Eddy Kouadio

Foul

🟨30'
Half-time

G. Varela — assist: S. Birindelli

⚽51'

A. Bakoune ↑ R. Mangas ↓

🔄56'

F. Ondoa ↑ E. Akinsanmiro ↓

🔄56'

D. Mota ↑ P. Cutrone ↓

🔄56'

G. Varela (Pen)

⚽63'
🔄64'

L. Lipani ↑ N. Matic ↓

🔄64'

K. Bowie ↑ K. Thorstvedt ↓

🔄72'

V. Adzic ↑ S. Esposito ↓

🔄72'

B. Dominguez ↑ D. Berardi ↓

Michael Folorunsho

Foul

🟨74'

M. Mout ↑ J. Robinson ↓

🔄82'
🔄82'

L. Skjellerup ↑ D. Bakola ↓

Samuele Birindelli

Foul

🟨85'
🟨85'

Luca Lipani

Argument

⚽88'

V. Adzic

Gustavo Varela

Foul

🟨90+2'

Y. Maye ↑ S. Birindelli ↓

🔄90+3'

Match info

Kickoff 
VenueU-Power Stadium, Monza
RefereeDaniele Perenzoni, Italy
CompetitionSerie A
Season2026
RoundMatchday 5
StatusMatch Finished
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Match context

Monza

#16

4 pts · 5 played

WLDLL

Sassuolo

#10

7 pts · 5 played

LWDWL

Monza

LDDL
  • @ Lecce2–3 · 13 Sep
  • @ Parma1–1 · 6 Sep
  • @ Stade Brestois 292–2 · 3 Oct
  • vs Cremonese2–3 · 26 Sep

Sassuolo

WDWD
  • vs Juventus3–2 · 13 Sep
  • @ Bologna2–2 · 6 Sep
  • vs Torino2–1 · 29 Aug
  • vs Frosinone1–1 · 2 Sep