Monza 2-2 Empoli: Serie B 2025-26 match report

The Brianteo witnessed a high-stakes encounter on Saturday afternoon as Monza and Empoli played out a 2-2 draw in Serie B. In a match defined by shifting momentum and tactical adjustments, both sides demonstrated resilience, though the late equalizer from the visitors ensured the points were shared in a contest where control proved elusive for both Paolo Bianco and Fabio Caserta.

The opening and the tactical shift

Empoli’s intent was clear from the opening whistle. Employing a 5-3-2 formation, coach Fabio Caserta sought to disrupt Monza’s buildup play early, and the strategy yielded an immediate reward. With only one minute on the clock, S. Shpendi found the back of the net to give the visitors a dream start. The goal forced Monza, set up in a 3-4-2-1, to recalibrate their defensive shape, particularly after M. Pessina picked up a yellow card in the fourth minute, signaling a period of early frustration for the hosts.

Monza eventually settled into their rhythm, utilizing the width provided by their wing-backs to stretch the Empoli backline. The pressure began to mount as the half-hour mark approached. In the 29th minute, the home side’s persistence paid off. P. Cutrone, operating in a creative capacity, provided the decisive pass for A. Petagna, who leveled the score. The goal served as a catalyst for Monza, who began to dictate the tempo, forcing Empoli into deeper defensive positions and disrupting their transition play, as evidenced by G. Guarino’s booking in the 18th minute.

The decisive moments

The second half began with a tactical shuffle from Caserta, who introduced A. Ghion in place of D. Degli Innocenti to stabilize the midfield. However, Monza’s manager Paolo Bianco responded with aggressive changes of his own on the hour mark, bringing on A. Petagna and A. Bakoune to inject fresh energy into the attack. The impact was near-immediate. In the 65th minute, F. Delli Carri put the hosts ahead, finishing a well-constructed move assisted by G. Caso.

As the match entered the final quarter, the intensity reached a fever pitch. Both benches utilized their full complement of substitutes to manage fatigue and tactical requirements. Monza’s defensive discipline was tested as S. Birindelli received a caution in the 67th minute, followed by a flurry of bookings for Empoli’s S. Romagnoli and M. Lovato as the visitors grew desperate to reclaim a foothold.

Monza appeared to have weathered the storm, successfully managing the game into the final minutes. However, the defensive solidity that had characterized their second-half performance faltered at the death. In the 90th minute, G. Guarino delivered a precise ball to S. Shpendi, who secured his brace and salvaged a point for Empoli. Despite a late surge of activity, the final whistle confirmed a stalemate that reflected the competitive nature of the afternoon.

Looking ahead

The result leaves both teams to reflect on missed opportunities to secure a full three points during the final stages of the campaign. For Monza, the inability to hold a lead in the dying minutes serves as a reminder of the need for concentration, while Empoli will take confidence from their ability to strike both early and late in hostile territory.