Monza’s defense is already a mess, giving up seven goals in just two matches, and after a wild 3-2 loss to Udinese, coach Abate is still scrambling for answers. Meanwhile, Sassuolo grabbed their first points with a 2-1 win against Torino, leaving both Torino and Monza coaches stuck on zero points after two matchdays.
Thiam’s Howler Costs Monza Big Time
The Monza-Udinese game was an absolute rollercoaster. Monza looked lively early, with Cutrone and Birindelli nearly scoring, but Abankwah and Okoye denied them. Udinese then found their rhythm, with Piotrowski putting them up 1-0 in the 32nd minute after a scramble. Monza fought back fast, as Colpani equalized just five minutes later with a perfect cross from Mangas, making it 1-1.
But then came the moment that changed everything: Udinese’s Kamara shot from distance in the 45th minute, and Monza’s Thiam committed an absolute howler, letting it in for a 2-1 Udinese lead. Kamara is on fire, scoring in back-to-back matches, the first Udinese player to do that in five years! Udinese kept rolling after the break, with Ekkelenkamp hitting a superb first-time strike for a 3-1 lead in the 48th. Monza showed fight, with Akinsanmiro assisting Varela’s header to make it 3-2 in the 63rd, and Dany Mota even had a late chance. But it wasn’t enough; Monza lost their second straight, and giving up seven goals in two games is a huge red flag.
Berardi’s Instant Impact Ignites Sassuolo
Over in the Sassuolo-Torino matchup, Sassuolo came out firing, Cinquegrano hitting the crossbar early. Torino’s Adams and Vlasic tested Sassuolo keeper Muric, who stood tall. But Sassuolo’s Volpato struck first in the 32nd, finishing a perfect counterattack. Torino didn’t give up, Comuzzo equalizing in first-half stoppage time after a burst from Cacciamani.
The second half was slower until a familiar face made a dramatic entrance. Berardi, in his season debut, subbed on in the 72nd and took just five minutes to make his mark, firing home a left-footed shot from a free kick in the 77th. Instant impact! Sassuolo sealed the 2-1 win. Torino’s coach Juric is still on zero points, and with 19 shots conceded, they’ve got serious work to do.
For coaches Juric and Abate, still on zero points after two matches, the pressure is absolutely real this early in the season. Meanwhile, Udinese and Sassuolo are finding their rhythm, with big performances setting a solid early tone. What happens next for these teams still finding their footing? We’ll be watching every kick.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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