Inter Milan win on penalties after 2-2 draw with Monza

MONZA: Inter Milan and Monza played out a closely fought 2-2 draw at the U-Power Stadium in a preseason friendly.

The match was settled in a penalty shootout with Inter winning 5-3 thanks to an important save from goalkeeper Juan Musso.

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Monzo took the lead in the 32nd minute when Patrick Ciurria controlled a pass and calmly finished past the Inter keeper. The home side held the lead as the first half went on. A cross from Federico Dimarco deflected off a Monza defender and went into the net, making it 1-1 just before halftime.

Inter took the lead early in the second half when Francesco Pio Esposito flicked in a shot created by Matteo Darmian’s long-range effort. The goal put the visitors ahead, as they tried to build on their advantage.

Monza continued to fight and earned a late equaliser in the 89th minute. Paulo Azzi fired a low, precise right-footed shot that found the bottom corner, keeping the score level and forcing the game into penalties.

Coach Christian Chivu made several substitutions after the break to give more players time on the pitch. Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella, Marcus Thuram, Alessandro Bastoni and Francesco Acerbi all came on to get minutes and sharpen their form ahead of the season.

The penalty shootout was right, with both teams converting their early spot-kicks. The turning point came when Inter’s Musso saved Jacopo Sardo’s penalty, allowing Inter to claim the win.

Monza set up with three at the bac, four midfielders, and two attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker, while Inter Milan lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, mixing young talent with experienced players.

Both sides showed good balance during 90 minutes. Monza pressed aggressively and defended well while Inter Milan kept their shape. The latter built attacks patiently and using quick passes to break down the home defence.

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The match gave both teams valuable game time and helped them prepare for their league seasons. Monza will contest Serie B after recent relegation, while Inter will focus on their Serie A campaign set to begin later this month.