Serie A: Monza needs only a pearl from Maldini, Toro expels Udine

Monza-Cagliari 1-0 and Udinese-Torino 0-2

Saturday’s two 3 p.m. previews of the 29th Serie A matchday ended with victories for Monza and Torino, who defeated Cagliari and Udinese, respectively. The Brianzoli needed only a goal from Daniel Maldini to overcome the Sardinians, while the Granata conquered Udine thanks to goals from Zapata and Vlasic.

At the’U-Power Stadium in Monza è a Daniel Maldini pearl to give the three points to the Biancorossi: at 42' the Monza striker kicks an extraordinary free kick that hits the crossbar and bounces over the goal line. A few minutes later the hosts go hungry for a double with Dany Mota putting his header wide from an excellent position. In the second half, the Sardinians went close to equalizing at 64' with Deiola but his conclusion è wide by a little. At 68' Lapadula scores the 1-1 but the goal viena annulled for offside.

At the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, Torino has an easy time: the granata take an immediate lead with Zapata, who takes advantage of a goal-kissing assist from Vojvoda, beating Okoye with a precise header. The guests had a chance to double with Okereke on 29' but Okoye was ready. In the second half, Vlasic signed the 2-0 win for the Toro with a low left-footed shot that found the corner from inside the box. On 71'Okoye avoided the granata’s trio by repelling a Zapata header.

Monza and Torino dream of Europe by moving up to 42 and 41 points in the standings respectively, 5 and 6 points away from sixth place. Udinese and Cagliari remain stationary at 27 and 26 points, in 13th and 15th place, respectively.