AC Milan’s quest for second place in Serie A took a shocking turn as they were stunned 4-2 by a resurgent AC Monza in a thrilling encounter at the U-Power Stadium. This dramatic defeat not only ends their nine-game unbeaten run in the league but also throws their Champions League qualification hopes into doubt.
The Rossoneri started brightly, with Luka Jović threatening goal twice in the opening five minutes. However, Monza gradually grew into the game, culminating in a penalty award after Malick Thiaw’s clumsy challenge on Dany Mota. Captain Matteo Pessina slotted home the penalty with aplomb, giving the hosts a surprise lead.
Just before half-time, Monza doubled their advantage with a slick counter-attack finished off by Mota. This setback forced Stefano Pioli’s hand at the break, with three substitutions, but his plans were dealt a severe blow when Jović saw red for violent conduct early in the second half.
Despite being a man down, Milan refused to surrender. Olivier Giroud pulled one back with a close-range finish, and Christian Pulisic’s long-range thunderbolt moments before stoppage time drew them level. The San Siro faithful dared to dream of an unlikely comeback.
However, their joy was short-lived as Monza substitute Warren Bondo restored the lead with a decisive strike. To add insult to injury, another Milan loanee, Lorenzo Colombo, sealed the victory for the Biancorossi late into added time, sparking wild celebrations on the home front.
This historic win for Monza marks their first-ever Serie A victory over Milan and throws the Rossoneri’s season into a state of flux. Questions will be asked about Pioli’s tactics, Jović’s indiscipline, and the team’s mental resilience. With Juventus breathing down their necks, Milan need to regroup quickly if they want to secure Champions League football next season.
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