Inter mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat Monza 3-2 at San Siro in Serie A’s 28th matchday, cementing their position at the top of the table. Simone Inzaghi’s side, rotated ahead of their Champions League return leg against Feyenoord, found themselves trailing 2-0 in the first half.
Monza struck first through Birindelli (32′) before former Inter forward Keita Baldé doubled the lead (44′). However, a goal from Arnautovic (45’+1’) just before the break ignited the Nerazzurri’s response, with Calhanoglu (64′) equalising and a Kyriakopoulos own goal (77′) sealing the dramatic victory.
With one eye on their European commitments, Inzaghi opted to rest Marcus Thuram, starting Arnautovic alongside Lautaro Martinez. Calhanoglu and Mkhitaryan returned to midfield, while Bastoni operated as a left wing-back. Monza, under Alessandro Nesta, relied on the striking partnership of Keita Baldé and Dany Mota.
Monza started brightly, with Keita testing Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer in the 7th minute. The Nerazzurri gradually responded, as Lautaro, Bastoni, and Barella all tried their luck before Arnautovic forced a fine save from Turati in the 22nd minute.
Inter thought they had broken the deadlock in the 24th minute when Lautaro Martinez capitalised on a rebound, but VAR disallowed the goal for handball. Moments later, Monza made Inter pay. In the 32nd minute, Dany Mota’s delightful backheel set up Birindelli, who calmly slotted past Sommer to put the visitors ahead.
Inter’s misery deepened in the 44th minute when Keita Baldé struck a stunning second goal. The former Nerazzurri man cut inside from the left and curled an exquisite shot beyond Sommer, silencing San Siro.
However, Inter refused to back down, and they pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time. Mkhitaryan delivered a pinpoint cross to Dumfries, who nodded it down for Arnautovic to head home from close range, ensuring his side went into the break trailing by just one goal.
Inzaghi made two half-time changes, introducing Bisseck and Carlos Augusto for Pavard and De Vrij. The tactical tweaks injected fresh energy, with Bisseck and Dumfries both coming close to equalising early in the second half.
Lautaro Martinez narrowly missed with a header in the 62nd minute, but just two minutes later, Inter were level. Bisseck laid the ball off to Calhanoglu, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box that left Turati with no chance.
Inter then pushed for the winner. Thuram replaced Arnautovic in the 70th minute, and Zielinski was also introduced—though the Polish midfielder had to be substituted just three minutes later due to a calf issue.
The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute. Carlos Augusto whipped in a dangerous cross from the left, finding Lautaro Martinez, whose shot took a deflection off Kyriakopoulos and crossed the line despite Turati’s desperate efforts. The goal was confirmed by goal-line technology, sparking celebrations at San Siro.
Inter nearly extended their lead in the 83rd minute when Thuram struck the post, while Calhanoglu saw a late effort saved by Turati in the 88th minute.
The victory sees Inter extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table to four points, awaiting Napoli’s result. Meanwhile, Monza’s struggles continue as they remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.
