Inter Edge Monza 5-4 in Penalty Shootout After Thrilling 2-2 Draw.

Inter Edge Monza 5-4 in Penalty Shootout After Thrilling 2-2 Draw.

Goals and Highlights: Monza (4) 2-2 (5) Inter in Friendly Match.

Match Overview

                    In a thrilling preseason friendly at the U-Power Stadium on August 12, 2025, Monza and Inter Milan played out a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Inter clinching victory in a tense penalty shootout, 5-4.

            The match, a key part of both teams’ preparations for the 2025-26 season, saw Monza take an early lead through Patrick Ciurria, only for Inter to fight back with an own goal by Samuele Birindelli and a stunning strike from Francesco Pio Esposito. A late equalizer from Monza’s Paulo Azzi forced the shootout, where Inter’s clinical finishing, capped by Marcus Thuram’s decisive penalty, secured the win. The match showcased both teams’ attacking intent and provided valuable lessons ahead of their respective league campaigns.

Pre-Match Build-Up

The U-Power Stadium, with a capacity of 15,039, buzzed with anticipation as fans filled the stands for this high-profile friendly. Monza, relegated to Serie B after a challenging 2024-25 Serie A campaign, aimed to test themselves against Inter, a European powerhouse gearing up for their Serie A opener against Torino on August 25, 2025. Under new manager Paolo Bianco, Monza sought to build momentum, while Inter’s Cristian Chivu fielded a strong lineup to fine-tune their squad. Both teams reported no injuries or suspensions, ensuring full-strength sides.

Lineups

Monza: Demba Thiam; Armando Izzo, Lorenzo Lucchesi, Arvid Brorsson; Leonardo Colombo, Matteo Pessina, Patrick Ciurria, Samuele Birindelli; Gianluca Caprari, Andrea Colpani; Dany Mota.

Inter Milan: Josep Martínez; Stefan de Vrij, Carlos Augusto, Matteo Darmian; Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Petar Sucic, Kristjan Asllani, Federico Dimarco; Luis Henrique, Francesco Pio Esposito, Ange-Yoan Bonny.

The pre-match atmosphere was electric, with Monza fans hoping for an upset and Inter supporters expecting a dominant performance. Both teams warmed up with intensity, setting the stage for an exciting 90 minutes.

First Half: Monza Strike First, Inter Respond
Kickoff and Early Exchanges (0’-10’)

The match kicked off at 8:00 p.m. local time, with Inter asserting early dominance. Kristjan Asllani tested Monza’s goalkeeper Demba Thiam with a long-range shot in the 3rd minute, but it sailed wide. Federico Dimarco’s runs down the left flank created danger, though his 6th-minute effort was blocked. Monza, coached by Paolo Bianco, absorbed pressure and looked to counter, with Gianluca Caprari and Dany Mota linking up. A 9th-minute move saw Mota find Caprari in the box, but the latter was ruled offside, nullifying a potential chance.

Monza’s Breakthrough (32’)

Against the run of play, Monza stunned Inter in the 32nd minute. Gianluca Caprari delivered a precise cross from the left, which Patrick Ciurria met with a close-range finish to beat Josep Martínez, giving Monza a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home fans, as Monza capitalized on one of their few forays into Inter’s half.

Inter’s Response (45’+1)

Inter pushed for an equalizer, with Dimarco and Ange-Yoan Bonny creating chances. In the first minute of stoppage time, their persistence paid off. A Dimarco cross into the box caused chaos, and Samuele Birindelli inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, leveling the score at 1-1. The own goal was a blow for Monza, who had defended stoutly but failed to clear their lines.

Halftime Analysis (45’+4)

The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1. Inter dominated possession (62%) and created more chances (6 shots, 2 on target), but Monza’s disciplined defending and clinical finishing kept them in the game. The home side’s inability to sustain attacks, with just 2 shots (1 on target), highlighted their reliance on counterattacks. Both teams headed to the break planning adjustments, with substitutions expected to inject fresh energy.

Halftime Score: Monza 1-1 Inter Milan
Second Half: Inter Take the Lead, Monza Fight Back
Second Half Kickoff (46’-52’)
The second half began with both teams unchanged, and Monza showed more intent, gaining ground through Matteo Pessina’s midfield play. However, Inter struck decisively in the 52nd minute. A flowing team move saw Petar Sucic find Francesco Pio Esposito, who unleashed a powerful 20-yard strike that flew past Thiam into the top corner, giving Inter a 2-1 lead. The goal showcased Esposito’s potential and shifted momentum firmly in Inter’s favor.

Monza’s Push and Substitutions (55’-66’)

Monza responded with urgency, with Caprari and substitute Silvere Ganvoula (on for the injured Dany Mota in the 42nd minute) testing Inter’s defense. In the 59th minute, Monza introduced Andrea Carboni and Pedro Obiang for Armando Izzo and Leonardo Colombo to bolster their backline and midfield. Inter’s defense, led by Stefan de Vrij, held firm, while Esposito and Bonny continued to threaten on the counter. Monza made further changes in the 66th minute, with Paulo Azzi and Nicolás Galazzi replacing Andrea Colpani and Pessina to chase an equalizer.

Inter’s Substitutions (69’-78’)

Inter refreshed their squad in the 69th minute, bringing on Marcus Thuram, Francesco Acerbi, Nicolò Barella, Benjamin Pavard, and Lautaro Martínez for Esposito, de Vrij, Sucic, Luis Henrique, and Bonny. The changes aimed to maintain control and add firepower. Monza countered with substitutions in the 73rd minute, introducing Luca Ravanelli and Pablo Delli Carri for Lorenzo Lucchesi and Arvid Brorsson. A 75th-minute chance saw Alessandro Bastoni find Barella in the box, but the play was ruled offside, denying Inter a third goal.

Monza’s Late Drama (89’)

Monza refused to give up, and their persistence paid off in the 89th minute. Substitute Paulo Azzi latched onto a through ball from Galazzi and fired a low shot past Martínez to equalize at 2-2. The goal, a testament to Monza’s fighting spirit, sent the U-Power Stadium into raptures and set the stage for a penalty shootout to decide the match.
Full-Time Score: Monza 2-2 Inter Milan
Penalty Shootout: Inter’s Precision Prevails

With the match ending in a draw, a penalty shootout determined the winner:

Inter (Lautaro Martínez): Scored, powerful shot past Thiam. (Inter 1-0)

Monza (Unnamed Player): Scored, clinical finish to level. (1-1)

Inter (Alessandro Bastoni): Scored, powerful strike into the bottom corner. (Inter 2-1)

Monza (Nicolás Galazzi): Scored, confident shot past Martínez. (2-2)

Inter (Nicolò Barella): Scored, accurate strike to the top post. (Inter 3-2)

Monza (Silvere Ganvoula): Scored, powerful shot Martínez couldn’t stop. (3-3)

Inter (Francesco Acerbi): Scored, precise shot to the top corner. (Inter 4-3)

Monza (Jacopo Sardo): Missed, Martínez saved with a diving stop. (4-3)

Inter (Marcus Thuram): Scored, powerful shot to seal a 5-4 victory.

Inter’s composure in the shootout, with Martínez’s crucial save and Thuram’s decisive penalty, secured the win, capping a competitive friendly.

Key Performances

Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter): Scored a stunning 20-yard goal and created three chances, showcasing his potential.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid): Scored twice and assisted Rodrygo’s goal, pivotal in Real Madrid’s attack.

Paulo Azzi (Monza): Scored the late equalizer as a substitute, injecting life into Monza’s campaign.

Patrick Ciurria (Monza): Opened the scoring and worked tirelessly, creating two chances.

Josep Martínez (Inter): Made three saves in regular time and a crucial stop in the shootout.

Gianluca Caprari (Monza): Provided the assist for Ciurria’s goal and created four chances before being substituted.

Statistical Highlights

Possession: Inter dominated with 61% possession, compared to Monza’s 39%.

Shots: Inter had 12 shots (2.9 xG, 5 on target), while Monza managed 8 shots (1.7 xG, 3 on target).

Passing Accuracy: Inter completed 88% of their passes, with Asllani leading at 92%. Monza achieved 79%.

Discipline: No cards were shown, reflecting a competitive but fair contest.

Expected Goals (xG): Inter’s 2.9 xG underscored their attacking threat, while Monza’s 1.7 xG showed their efficiency.

Tactical Analysis

Inter, under Cristian Chivu, played a 3-5-2 formation, leveraging Dimarco’s wing-back runs and Asllani’s midfield control to dominate possession. Esposito’s long-range strike and Bonny’s movement stretched Monza’s defense, though their finishing lacked precision early on. The own goal highlighted Monza’s vulnerability to crosses, but Inter’s substitutes, particularly Barella and Thuram, added dynamism in the second half.

Monza’s 3-4-2-1 setup focused on defensive solidity and counterattacks, with Caprari and Ciurria key in transition. Paolo Bianco’s side struggled to retain possession but capitalized on limited chances, with Ciurria’s goal and Azzi’s late strike showcasing their resilience. Substitutions, particularly Azzi and Galazzi, revitalized Monza’s attack, but their defensive lapses proved costly.

Post-Match Reactions
Cristian Chivu (Inter Manager)

“We showed great character to come back from a goal down. The own goal gave us momentum, and Pio [Esposito]’s strike was world-class. The shootout showed our composure. We’re ready for Serie A.”

Paolo Bianco (Monza Manager)

“We fought hard and showed spirit to equalize late. The penalty miss was unfortunate, but we take positives from this. We’re building for Serie B, and facing Inter is a great test.”

Francesco Pio Esposito (Player of the Match)

“It’s great to score and help the team. We worked hard, and the draw was fair, but winning the shootout feels good. We’re in good shape for the season.”

Key Moments

32’: Patrick Ciurria’s close-range finish from Caprari’s cross gave Monza a 1-0 lead.

45’+1: Samuele Birindelli’s own goal leveled the score at 1-1 after Dimarco’s dangerous cross.

52’: Francesco Pio Esposito’s 20-yard rocket put Inter ahead 2-1.

89’: Paulo Azzi’s late equalizer forced a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout: Josep Martínez’s save from Jacopo Sardo and Marcus Thuram’s decisive penalty secured Inter’s 5-4 win.

What’s Next?

Inter Milan head to their Serie A opener against Torino on August 25, 2025, with confidence after a strong preseason, including a 2-1 win over Monaco. Monza, preparing for their Serie B campaign, face Frosinone in the Coppa Italia on August 17, aiming to build on their late fightback. This friendly highlighted Inter’s depth and Monza’s potential to compete despite their relegation.

Broader Context

This was the latest chapter in a competitive history between Monza and Inter, with Inter holding a 3-1-1 record in their last five encounters. Monza’s relegation to Serie B adds pressure to perform in friendlies, while Inter’s European ambitions demand consistency. The match, though a draw, showcased both teams’ attacking capabilities and set the stage for their respective seasons.

The 2-2 draw, decided by Inter’s 5-4 penalty shootout victory, was a fitting end to a pulsating friendly. Esposito’s brilliance and Azzi’s late heroics highlighted the talent on both sides, while Inter’s composure in the shootout underscored their experience. As Monza aim for a Serie B resurgence and Inter target Serie A glory, this match provided valuable insights and momentum.

Venue: U-Power Stadium, Monza, Italy
Date: August 12, 2025
Referee: Kevin Bonacina