Daniel Maldini took center stage in Monza’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina on Monday night, keeping Brianzoli’s hopes alive.
Monza claimed their second victory this season on Monday, the first under new coach Salvatore Bocchetti, beating Fiorentina 2-1 at the U-Power Stadium.
The Tuscans had the first chance after just five minutes, but Albert Gudmundsson sent a shot from an excellent position over the crossbar.
Fiorentina were awarded a penalty a few minutes later for a foul by Pablo Marì on Andrea Sottil, but referee Federico Dionisi revoked it after a VAR check as he noticed it was the Fiorentina winger who was collided with the Monza defender after a sliding tackle, not the other. go around.
Warren Bondo put his name on Monza’s first chance in the 24th minute, but his shot from outside the area went wide.
The hosts took the lead seconds before the half-time whistle when Patrick Ciurria scored his first goal since May 2023. Pedro Pereira pounced on a long ball inside the box, Pietro Comuzzo cleared the area but reached Ciurria, who found the net deep down. post with a perfect curler.
Fiorentina reacted strongly in the second half, forcing Andrea Carboni to clear the goal line on a cross from Dodo coming from the right.
-Maldini doubled Monza’s lead in the 62nd minute, finishing off a cross from Pedro Pereira and scoring with a right-footed volley before Yacine Adli could intervene.
Maldini’s goal was particularly significant as Italian CT Luciano Spalletti watched from the stands this evening.
Fiorentina newcomer Michael Folorunsho made his debut in the 63rd minute, replacing Amir Richardson. Fiorentina got back into the game ten minutes later when Lucas Beltran, another Fiorentina substitute, won and converted a penalty as Stefano Turati guessed the right direction.
Maldini continued to inspire Monza with a shot over the bar in the 80th minute and a final pass to Milan Djuric who was unable to cause David de Gea any problems.
Fiorentina had the last two chances but failed to equalize. Christian Kouame sent a header wide while Jonathan Ikoné couldn’t find the space to beat Turati from a tight angle.
Fiorentina have lost three of the last four Serie A matches and are four points below the top four. Monza remains at the bottom of the table, but is six points below Verona, 17th.
