Newly promoted Monza, owned by former Milan politician Silvio Berlusconi, was hoping to take its first win of the season on Monday. However, he faced an Atalanta who were undefeated.
In the 2022/23 Serie A season to date, Atalanta had not conceded defeat, sitting third with three wins and two draws. A draw against Milan and wins against Sampdoria, Torino and Verona put the Bergamo side ahead of qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, although there is still a long way to go.
Historically, Atalanta have defeated Monza four times out of five in their previous clashes. Monza is a team that has always flirted with relegation to Serie B, Italy’s second-tier division. However, the city to the northwest of Milan were promoted to Serie A for 2022/23, highlighted by the acquisition of Matteo Pessina.
Monza-born midfielder Pessina made a name for himself during Italy’s reign at Euro 2020. However, Monza find themselves bottom of the table in Serie A, with two of their four defeats coming at the hands of Napoli. and Rome devastatingly. of closures.
A homegrown captain
On Monday night at the Brianteo Stadium in Italy, Matteo Pessina played against his former club Atalanta, where he made 67 appearances before leaving on loan to the club representing his native Monza. The 25-year-old captain has shown his full ability in midfield, including his goal-scoring ability, scoring twice for the Azzurri in last year’s European championship.
Atalanta became too much for Monza to handle
The relatively quiet first half ended goalless. Atalanta dominated possession for 46% of the first 45 minutes. However, Monza was more active, registering 267 passes and six shots on goal. Monza came out more fluid in the second half and kept possession with perfect passing accuracy. However, Atalanta were the aggressor, committing several fouls while Monza avoided physical play. The Goddess unleashed four strikes, with three on target. Atalanta was on the verge of a goal, with two attacking plays called offside.
Finally, in the 57th minute, Danish midfielder Rasmus Højlund scored a goal, assisted by London midfielder Ademola Lookman to make it 1-0. Then, in the 65th minute, the gates were thrown wide open when Lookman was involved in what Monza recorded as an own goal to make it 2-0. So naturally, a two-goal lead saw Atalanta sit back and let Monza bring them the game. As a result, Monza kept possession with several passes. But, when things went wrong, thousands of shuffling feet in the stadium complained of defeat as Atalanta handed Monza their fifth consecutive loss.
The victory puts The Black and Blues in first place in Serie A.
Photo Credit: IMAGO/NurPhoto
