Monza 2-0 Bari: Serie B 2025-26 match report

Monza secured a controlled 2-0 victory over Bari at the Brianteo on Sunday, reinforcing their tactical discipline in a contest that saw both managers deploy identical 3-4-2-1 formations. While the first half remained a stalemate defined by defensive organization and cautious buildup play, the hosts found the necessary clinical edge after the interval to claim all three points in this Serie B fixture.

The opening

Paolo Bianco and Moreno Longo entered the match with mirror-image setups, leading to a congested midfield battle throughout the opening 45 minutes. Both sides prioritized structural integrity, with the back-three systems effectively neutralizing the opposing attacking midfielders. Monza looked to utilize the width provided by their wing-backs, but Bari’s defensive block remained compact, forcing the home side to recycle possession frequently.

The tactical stalemate meant that clear-cut opportunities were scarce before the break. Both teams focused on minimizing transitions, resulting in a low-tempo affair where the primary objective appeared to be avoiding defensive errors. As the whistle blew for halftime, the scoreline accurately reflected a cagey encounter where neither side had yet managed to disrupt the other’s defensive rhythm.

The decisive moment

The deadlock was finally broken five minutes into the second half. Monza’s persistence in the final third paid off when Andrea Petagna provided the creative spark, setting up Pedro Obiang to open the scoring. The goal forced Bari to abandon their conservative posture, leading to a more open game as the visitors sought an immediate response.

Recognizing the shift in momentum, both managers utilized their benches extensively around the 66th minute. Bari introduced Giulio Maggiore and M. Mane in an attempt to inject energy into their midfield and flank play, while Monza responded by refreshing their attacking options. Despite Bari’s efforts to push forward, they struggled to penetrate the Monza defensive line.

The match was effectively settled in the 79th minute. Giuseppe Caso, who had been involved in the attacking build-up, provided the assist for Matteo Pessina to double Monza’s lead. The second goal proved to be the decisive blow, deflating Bari’s late-game pressure. Although Bari continued to make substitutions in the final ten minutes—including the introduction of G. Moncini and K. Piscopo—they were unable to find a way past a disciplined Monza defense. The match concluded with the home side comfortably managing the final stages, punctuated only by a late yellow card for Bari’s M. Dorval in stoppage time.

Looking ahead

For Monza, the result serves as a testament to their patience and ability to execute in high-pressure moments, keeping them firmly in the mix for their season objectives. Bari, meanwhile, will need to address their lack of offensive penetration as they look to regain consistency in the final stretch of the Serie B campaign.