Inter Milan Overcome Monza Scare with Comeback Victory

Inter Milan survived a significant scare against bottom-of-the-table Monza, coming from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory at the San Siro on Saturday. An own goal in the second half ultimately proved decisive, extending Inter’s lead at the top of Serie A to four points.

Inter now have 61 points, four clear of second-placed Napoli, who host Fiorentina on Sunday. Monza remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 14 points, 10 points from safety.

Monza, with only two league wins all season, stunned the home crowd with two first-half goals. They created the first chance of the match, which saw Keita Balde’s long range shot go just wide. Samuele Birindelli gave Monza a shock lead in the 32nd minute, finishing coolly after a clever one-two with Dany Mota.

Keita Balde, celebrating his 30th birthday, doubled Monza’s advantage in the 44th minute, cutting inside and curling a superb shot into the top corner.

Inter, however, reduced the deficit in first-half stoppage time. Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s cross was headed across goal by Denzel Dumfries, and Marko Arnautovic scored with a diving header.

The defending champions had earlier been frustrated by Monza goalkeeper Stefano Turati, who made fine saves from Arnautovic and Lautaro Martinez. A Martinez goal from the rebound of the latter save was disallowed for handball.

Inter dominated the second half and equalized in the 64th minute. A headed clearance fell to Yann Bisseck who passed it to Hakan Calhanoglu, and he drove a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

The winning goal came in the 77th minute, and in unfortunate circumstances for Monza. Giorgos Kyriakopoulos, under pressure from Martinez, inadvertently chested the ball over his own goal line.

Inter could have extended their lead, but Marcus Thuram hit the post from close range, and Turati made another diving save to deny Calhanoglu.

The victory, while ultimately securing three points, highlighted Inter’s occasional vulnerability, while Monza’s spirited performance belied their league position. The match was a testament to Monza GK Turati.