Monza-Inter 2-2: Chivu smiles only on penalties

Milan, August 12, 2025 – Inter beat Monza on penalties , in a test at the U-Power stadium in front of 13,000 spectators. The score was 2-2 after ninety minutes: Ciurria took the lead for Monza, followed by Birindelli's own goal and Pio Esposito's brilliant backheel. With one minute remaining, Azzi counterattacked to make it 2-2. Martinez's penalty save from Sardo proved decisive, followed by Thuram's fifth penalty. Chivu's smile turned from bitter to sweet, then back to bittersweet. Positive signs also came from Inter's second game. Until shortly before the end. The character already evident in Monte Carlo was evident in the rebound from a game that had started poorly, thanks in part to a Monza side that was anything but a victim. Then came the disaster with one minute remaining. And the consolation of penalties. Inter started with the determination of the strongest , with Asllani opening up the pitch. But the Brianza team initially pressed well. Then, equally well, they took control. Their best shot was the ball whipped into the center by Birindelli, barely parried by Dimarco: it was up to Carlos Augusto to block Caprari's effort. The Biancorossi took to the field with several luxuries for the second division: Izzo, Pessina, Mota Carvalho, and Colpani, for example. And Inter were still without Frattesi, Bisseck and Zielinski (return postponed as a precaution), and Calhanoglu, Dumfries, and Zalewski (tired). There was no excuse, for a first half hour that was predominantly Monza. Until Bonny's breakthrough: a feint and a right-footed shot, over. Pure Nerazzurri illusion: Monza took the lead instead . Caprari opens, Ciurria closes, Chivu's defense is almost immobile and complicit: 1-0 in the 32nd minute. (Timid) signs of recovery, then, from the Sucic-Luis Henrique duo. Messages, above all, and again, from Bonny: he charges headlong, the ball goes wide. The equalizer, however, requires an own goal from Birindelli, who heads a Dimarco cross into his own net (46'). No changes at halftime. But Inter shifts, playing wide, pushing forward with more force. And the ace comes along. Asllani plays the ball, Luis Henrique taps it in, Darmian shoots. Pio Esposito gets in the way: Izzo latches on to him, but it's not enough. A backheel and it's 2-1, seven minutes into the second half. Leadership follows. With (almost) confidence restored. The kind Chivu wants to rebuild after the bitter end of the Inzaghi era. Twenty minutes at the end, for Pavard, Acerbi, Bastoni, Barella, Thuram, and Lautaro. A perfect command: Azzi makes it 2-2. Then the penalties.

MONZA-INTER 2-2 Goalscorers: 32' Ciurria (M), 46' own goal Birindelli (I), 7' st Pio Esposito (I), 44' st Azzi (M).

Penalty sequence: L. Martinez (I) goal, Obiang (M) goal, Bastoni (I) goal, Galazzi (M) goal, Barella (I) goal, Ganvoula (M) goal, Acerbi (I) goal, Sardo (M) saved, Thuram (I) goal.