Keita Baldé scored a last-minute goal to give already-relegated AC Monza a surprise 2-1 win over Udinese at the Stadio Friuli — a place where Udinese haven’t beaten Monza in 50 years.
Udinese came out strong, aiming for their first top-half finish since the 2012/13 season, facing a Monza side struggling after their 24th league loss. The home team dominated early, with Hassane Kamara trying a bold bicycle kick. Oumar Solet and Keinan Davis also had chances but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Semuel Pizzignacco. Despite the pressure, Monza held on through the first half — no small feat, considering they’ve trailed at half-time in 16 matches this season, the joint-most in the league.
Out of nowhere, Monza took the lead six minutes after the break. Samuele Birindelli’s low shot hit the post and bounced off Gianluca Caprari’s shoulder into the net, ending their four-game run without a goal in lucky fashion. But Udinese hit back 15 minutes from time when substitute Lorenzo Lucca scored a clever equaliser from a tight angle, ending Monza’s hopes for a first clean sheet in 11 games.
Still, Monza didn’t give up. In the dying seconds, Baldé latched onto a loose cross and smashed the ball past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye to seal a shock win — their first in 16 league matches. The victory ends a six-game losing run and moves them to 18 points, beating the all-time Serie A low of 17 set by Salernitana and Chievo Verona. As for Udinese, manager Kosta Runjaić will be disappointed his team couldn’t keep Monza out, especially after five unbeaten games against them.
