The match at Monza’s home ground saw Gustavo Varela open the scoring in the 51st minute, finishing a move that began with a corner from Birindelli and a quick turn inside the box.
Varela doubled Monza’s lead twelve minutes later, converting a penalty after Sebastiano Esposito’s defensive error in the area forced the spot‑kick, and the Argentine striker sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.
Sassuolo pulled one back at an unspecified point in the game, keeping the contest close and forcing Monza to defend their advantage for the remainder of the match.
In the 88th minute, Vasilije Adzic restored a two‑goal cushion with a powerful free‑kick that struck the opposing goalkeeper’s post before finding the net, sealing the win for the home side.
Monza’s third‑choice goalkeeper was instrumental, making four decisive interventions – a reflex save from a Berardi shot, a solid stop on a Bakola diagonal, a low‑ball clearance against Thorstvedt and a crucial block on a close‑range effort – that prevented Sassuolo from gaining momentum.
The victory marks Monza’s first Serie A win of the season and gives coach Juric a much‑needed boost after a shaky start, while Sassuolo remains winless in five Serie A meetings with Monza (four defeats and one draw).
Sassuolo’s late surge was highlighted by a near‑equaliser in the 93rd minute when Bowie’s twisting effort hit the post, echoing the disappointment of former Sassuolo captain Aquilani, who still recalls the playoff final loss he endured last season.
Former club director Pantaleo Corvino summed up the match’s narrative, remarking, “In life you can make a mistake with your wife, but you cannot mistake striker and goalkeeper,” underscoring the pivotal roles both positions played in Monza’s triumph.