SALERNO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 24: Daniel Maldini of AC Monza scores his side's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between US Salernitana and AC Monza at Stadio Arechi on February 24, 2024 in Salerno, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
SALERNO, ITALY - FEBRUARY 24: Daniel Maldini of AC Monza scores his side's first goal during the Serie A TIM match between US Salernitana and AC Monza at Stadio Arechi on February 24, 2024 in Salerno, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Monza made it two consecutive victories thanks to Daniel Maldini and Matteo Pessina goals, leaving Fabio Liverani’s Salernitana increasingly isolated at the foot of the table.

Things had not improved with third coach of the campaign Liverani making his debut in a 4-0 defeat to leaders Inter. Norbert Gyomber, Lorenzo Pirola and Niccolò Pierozzi were injured, but Federico Fazio was back in the squad and Kostas Manolas made his first start in a new three-man defence. Monza missed Samuel Vignato and Gianluca Caprari, but goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio recovered from a knock to the head.

Barely 60 seconds in, Samuele Birindelli intercepted a midfield pass and sprinted forward, his cross finding Milan Djuric for a right-foot volley that thumped the upright.

See how the game unfolded on the Liveblog

Moments later, Djuric’s header flashed just wide, then Guillermo Ochoa made a stunning reaction save from point-blank range as a corner was flicked on for Armando Izzo.

Grigoris Kastanos tried to fight back, the left-foot curler from a huge distance flashing just wide, while Roberto Gagliardini deflected the Antonio Candreva strike wide of the near post.

Gagliardini couldn’t keep his diving header on target from the Andrea Colpani cross, but Monza threatened twice from set plays after the break.

First Djuric’s knockdown was cleared at the back post by Marco Pellegrino, then on the following corner Ochoa somehow prevented a Gagliardini tap-in.

Luca Caldirola at full stretch managed to deflect the Kastanos curler off target after good work from Antonio Candreva, then Michele Di Gregorio made a stunning double save at the near post on Loum Tchaouna, first with the left foot, then the right.

It proved pivotal, as moments later Monza took the lead when Daniel Maldini completed a give and go with Gagliardini down the left flank and beat Ochoa with an angled drive.

Monza doubled their lead soon after, as Djuric flicked on the long Di Gregorio goal kick and Matteo Pessina showed real class for a delicate lob over Ochoa.

Salernitana 0-2 Monza

Maldini 78 (M), Pessina 83 (M)

24-02-2024 17:00
MatchDay 26

Player statistic

1st half
Triantafyllos Pasalidis Yellow card 39'    
2nd half
    48' Yellow card Pablo Marí
    63' Yellow card Armando Izzo
Toma Basic Yellow card 72'    
    78' Goal Daniel Maldini
(Assist: Roberto Gagliardini)
    83' Goal Matteo Pessina
(Assist: Milan Djuric)

Match statistic

42
Possession %
58
11
Total shots
17
3
Shots on target
7
4
Shots off target
7
4
Blocked shots
3
7
Corners
11
0
Offsides
2
6
Fouls
13
SAL
MON

Starting lineups

13
Goalkeeper
59
3
Defender
44
61'
24
Defender
87
Midfielder
87'
20
Midfielder
73'
18
Midfielder
26
Midfielder
73'
14
Attacker
61'
16
Goalkeeper
44
Defender
4
Defender
73'
22
Defender
67'
19
28
Midfielder
46'
32
Midfielder
6
Midfielder
21
Midfielder
82'
47
Attacker
67'
11
Attacker

Substitutes

55
Attacker
25
Midfielder
56
Goalkeeper
6
Defender
62
Goalkeeper
7
Midfielder
11
Midfielder
5
Defender
61'
33
Attacker
61'
10
Attacker
73'
99
Midfielder
73'
9
Attacker
87'
33
9
Attacker
20
Attacker
2
Defender
13
Midfielder
7
Midfielder
66
Goalkeeper
23
79
Midfielder
38
Midfielder
46'
27
Midfielder
67'
5
Defender
67'
77
73'
8
82'

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