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Matteo Gabbia and Joao Felix’s second goal in the league allows Milan to beat Monza 2-0. San Siro loudly protests against the Rossoneri club.

The Milan closes its disappointing season by defeating Monza 2-0 at San Siro. The goals by Matteo Gabbia and Joao Felix in the second half seal the victory. The Rossoneri climb to 63 points but remain out of European competitions. The Brianza team finishes with another defeat, their twenty-sixth in the league: a season in which they were always bottom of the table, never really in the fight for survival.

Gabbia and Joao Felix contain Monza, but San Siro protests against Milan

It’s the last game in red and black for Sergio Conceicao, who was suspended after receiving a red card last week in Rome. The 3-4-3 formation is confirmed with Maignan in goal and the defensive trio of Tomori–Gabbia–Pavlovic. In midfield, Loftus-Cheek and Reijnders start, with changes on the wings: Musah is chosen over Jimenez on the right, and Bartesaghi plays on the left as Theo Hernandez is only fit for the bench. Still absent is Leao: Pulisic and Joao Felix support Jovic.

There are some changes for Alessandro Nesta compared to the previous defeat against Empoli. Ahead of goalkeeper Pizzignacco, Pedro Pereira and Andrea Carboni form the defensive line, with Caldirola in the center. In midfield, Bianco and Akpa Akpro play, with Birindelli and Kyriakopoulos on the wings. Ciurria gets a starting chance in the forward line alongside Keita Balde and Caprari.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC ON THE GROUND (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

Early in the game, the home team comes close to scoring with Pavlovic: surprisingly, he takes the free-kick but it is saved by Pizzignacco. The visitors respond immediately with Keita Balde: his shot is deflected, and Birindelli hits the post on the rebound, but he was offside. The Biancorossi forward tries again in the 11th minute with a header, but Maignan is alert and makes the save despite a deflection.

The Rossoneri fans in the Curva Sud display the message “Go Home,” a clear protest against the club’s management, accompanied by chants. In the 15th minute, the fans leave the stadium in protest against the management, a planned action before the match. From that moment on, the game remains blocked with no clear chances for either side.

In the 38th minute, Gabbia sends a long ball to Joao Felix, who could break away on goal but fails to control the ball. The last excitement of the first half is a disallowed goal for Nesta’s team: a splendid volley by Keita is ruled out due to an offside by Kyriakopoulos who provided the assist. The score remains 0-0, and the first half ends amidst whistles at the Meazza.

In the second half, Conceicao introduces youngster Camarda and Chukwueze for Jovic and Musah. Milan starts strong with Reijnders, who shoots with his left foot but hits the side netting. A few moments later, Chukwueze faces the same fate. The other substitute, Camarda, takes a powerful shot but it’s saved by Pizzignacco. In the 61st minute, another change for Milan: Bartesaghi is replaced by Jimenez.

In the 63rd minute, Joao Felix hits the crossbar with a header, and Camarda narrowly misses the rebound. Two minutes later, Conceicao’s team breaks the deadlock: a corner kick by Chukwueze, Gabbia rises and heads the ball past the opposing goalkeeper at the near post. It’s his second goal in the league: he had scored the winner in the first derby of the season in September.

Nesta makes a double substitution, recognizing the difficult moment for his team and trying to make a change. Sensi and Castrovilli come on for Ciurria and Caprari, reinforcing the midfield. Soon after, the hosts score again with Joao Felix, who had been trying throughout the game: the Portuguese forward scores a splendid free-kick that the Monza goalkeeper cannot stop.

Overall, a negative experience in Milan for the former Chelsea, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid player, who at least ends with 2 goals in the last 2 games. At the 80th minute, a mix of jeers and applause accompanies his exit from the field: Youssouf Fofana replaces him. Nesta gives a debut to 2004-born goalkeeper Mazza, who replaces Pizzignacco, and also brings on Izzo and Petagna for Caldirola and Keita.

There is also a brief appearance for Florenzi, who replaces Pulisic and plays in Serie A for the first time since May 25, 2024 (3-3 draw with Salernitana). The only goal-scoring opportunity for Monza in the second half falls to Akpa Akpro, forcing Maignan to make a great save. After the 2 minutes of added time, referee Rutella blows the final whistle.

Milan beats Monza 2-0 and ends a highly negative season with a victory. The Rossoneri are out of the European race in the league, were eliminated in the Champions League playoffs by Feyenoord, and lost to Bologna in the Coppa Italia final. It’s a forgettable season for Monza as well, finishing last with 18 points and only 3 wins.