Nikola Krstović struck early in the second half and Marco Carnesecchi made big saves as Atalanta won at Monza, with home coach Ivan Juric sent off late on.
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Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was in action for Monza as they lost 1-0 at home to Atalanta in Serie A on Sunday, November 8. The Nigerian worked hard in midfield before being replaced in the second half.
It was Akinsanmiro’s eighth appearance of the season, and he has one assist so far. Italian match sheets show that Dany Mota replaced him in the 71st minute, although Complete Sports puts the change at the 73rd.
The decisive moment came just after the break. Atalanta striker Nikola Krstović scored in the 49th minute, although some Italian reports list it a minute later, and that was enough to settle the contest at the Brianteo.
Monza pushed hard for an equaliser for the rest of the game. They sent plenty of crosses into the box and kept testing Atalanta’s back line, but goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi was outstanding, making several important saves, especially in the first half.
Italian reports say Monza coach Ivan Juric was sent off in the closing stages, which added to the frustration for the hosts. The result leaves Monza on seven points in 17th place, while Atalanta move up to 14 points.
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Akinsanmiro And The Super Eagles
Akinsanmiro has featured in eight of Monza’s 11 league games this season. He is not in Eric Chelle’s 24 man squad for the Tanzania double-header, though, which means he will stay with his club during the international break.
Complete Sports described his display as a solid shift in midfield, even though Monza could not find the goal they needed.
The defeat also deepens Monza’s relegation worries. They have seven points from 11 games, only one more than Venezia on six and two more than Udinese on five at the bottom of the table.
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What Comes Next
Serie A now pauses for the November international break. For Monza, it is a chance to reset and think about how to turn their results around.
Juric’s side will have to find goals from somewhere. Forward Varela, who has just been called up by Portugal, is reported to be the league’s top scorer, and the team will need him and the midfield to deliver after the break.
For Atalanta, the win is a timely boost for coach Maurizio Sarri. Carnesecchi’s saves and Krstović’s strike gave them what they needed.
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📌 Did You Know?
- Monza coach Ivan Juric previously managed Atalanta, so Sunday’s game was a reunion with his old club.
- Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi made several key saves, especially in the first half.
- After the weekend’s games, Monza are on seven points and Atalanta on 14.
- Monza’s Varela, recently called up by Portugal, is reported to lead Serie A’s scoring chart.
- Venezia, with six points, and Udinese, with five, sit below Monza in the table.
