Match report

Monza Defeats Cesena 1–0 in Serie B Clash

Monza
Monza
1–0
FT
Cesena
Cesena
Nov 23, 2025

Monza held off a determined Cesena to secure a narrow but vital win in their battle for promotion from Serie B. Pedro Obiang's early strike was enough as the hosts weathered late pressure from the visitors.

Key Facts

  • • Pedro Obiang scored Monza's only goal in the 37th minute, assisted by D. Mota.
  • • Cesena had a goal cancelled by VAR at the 71st minute involving C. Shpendi.
  • • Monza made three substitutions: A. Alvarez for Maric, Leonardo Colombo for Obiang, and A. Izzo for Lucchesi.
  • • Leonardo Colombo received a yellow card in the 76th minute.

Lineups

Monza

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 20 D. Thiam (G)
  • 4 A. Izzo (D)
  • 13 L. Ravanelli (D)
  • 44 A. Carboni (D)
  • 19 S. Birindelli (M)
  • 14 P. Obiang (M)
  • 32 M. Pessina (M)
  • 7 P. Azzi (M)
  • 28 A. Colpani (F)
  • 47 D. Mota (F)
  • 25 A. Alvarez (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 S. Pizzignacco
  • 43 A. Strajnar
  • 3 L. Lucchesi
  • 9 M. Maric
  • 10 G. Caprari
  • 15 F. Delli Carri
  • 16 J. Sardo
  • 18 K. Zeroli
  • 21 L. Colombo
  • 24 A. Bakoune
  • 26 P. Ciurria
  • 37 A. Petagna

Cesena

Formation: 3-4-3

Starting XI

  • 33 J. Klinsmann (G)
  • 15 A. Ciofi (D)
  • 19 G. Zaro (D)
  • 24 M. Mangraviti (D)
  • 11 R. Ciervo (M)
  • 4 M. Castagnetti (M)
  • 70 M. Francesconi (M)
  • 99 G. Frabotta (M)
  • 14 T. Berti (F)
  • 9 C. Shpendi (F)
  • 7 J. Blesa (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 A. Siano
  • 40 L. Ferretti
  • 6 T. Arrigoni
  • 10 S. Bastoni
  • 13 R. Celia
  • 16 P. Amoran
  • 17 E. Adamo
  • 18 M. Guidi
  • 23 V. Magni
  • 29 S. Balde
  • 32 M. Olivieri
  • 43 F. Bertaccini

Timeline

  1. Monza
    37' Monza Goal · Normal Goal
    Pedro Obiang · Assist: D. Mota
  2. Cesena
    61' Cesena subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. Blesa · On: M. Olivieri
  3. Monza
    69' Monza subst · Substitution 2
    Off: A. Alvarez · On: M. Maric
  4. Monza
    69' Monza subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Pedro Obiang · On: Leonardo Colombo
  5. Cesena
    71' Cesena Var · Goal cancelled
    C. Shpendi
  6. Cesena
    75' Cesena subst · Substitution 2
    Off: M. Francesconi · On: S. Bastoni
  7. Cesena
    75' Cesena subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Gianluca Frabotta · On: E. Adamo
  8. Monza
    76' Monza Card · Yellow Card
    Leonardo Colombo

    Foul

  9. Cesena
    82' Cesena subst · Substitution 4
    Off: A. Ciofi · On: V. Magni
  10. Cesena
    82' Cesena subst · Substitution 5
    Off: M. Castagnetti · On: F. Bertaccini
  11. Monza
    83' Monza subst · Substitution 4
    Off: A. Izzo · On: L. Lucchesi
  12. Monza
    84' Monza subst · Substitution 5
    Off: D. Mota · On: F. Delli Carri

Match Stats

Stat Monza Cesena
Fouls 3 9
Pass Accuracy 87% 88%
Offsides 0 6
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 14 15
Corners 6 7
Total Passes 555 502
Yellow Cards 1 0
Blocked Shots 5 7
Shots on Target 1 4
xG 1.16 0.63
Shots off Target 8 4
Possession 52% 48%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 485 443
Shots Inside Box 8 6
Saves 4 0
Shots Outside Box 6 9

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Pedro Obiang's goal at 37 minutes gave Monza an early lead and provided crucial momentum.
  • ▸ Cesena's late push for an equalizer was thwarted by VAR cancelling a potential equalizing goal, solidifying Monza's narrow victory.