Torino 3-2 Monza: Hosts Edge Five-Goal Thriller in Serie A

Torino claimed a dramatic 3-2 Serie A victory over Monza at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, turning a tense, end-to-end contest into three valuable points. The hosts twice led before being pegged back, but a second-half strike proved decisive as Torino held off a late Monza surge in a match that delivered pace, pressing and plenty of penalty-area action.

The result gives Torino an important boost in the standings and reinforces their push for a European qualification place, while Monza leave Turin with credit for their comeback spirit but without the points their second-half pressure perhaps deserved.

Match overview

Torino started with intent, pressing high and forcing Monza into early errors in midfield. The home side’s attacking rotations caused problems down the channels, and the opener arrived when Nikola Vlasic drifted into the box and finished calmly after a quick combination on the edge of the area.

Monza responded well, equalising through Andrea Colpani, whose curling effort from the right half-space beat the Torino goalkeeper. The visitors grew into the game after that goal, but Torino regained control before half-time when Duvan Zapata powered home from close range after a sustained spell of pressure and a well-worked set-piece routine.

The second half was more open. Torino extended their lead just before the 70-minute mark when Antonio Sanabria converted from inside the box after Monza failed to clear a low cross. Monza refused to fold, though, and Milan Djuric’s late header set up a nervy finish. Torino dropped deeper in the final minutes, but their back line survived a flurry of crosses to secure the win.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Nikola Vlasic opens the scoring for Torino with a composed finish after a slick move through the right channel.
• 24th minute: Andrea Colpani equalises for Monza with a curling strike from the edge of the box.
• 41st minute: Duvan Zapata restores Torino’s lead, converting from close range after a dangerous set-piece delivery.
• 68th minute: Antonio Sanabria makes it 3-1, reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the Monza penalty area.
• 86th minute: Milan Djuric heads in to reduce the deficit and set up a tense closing spell.

Tactical story

Torino’s 3-4-2-1 shape worked well in the first hour, especially when their wing-backs pushed high and created overloads against Monza’s back three. The hosts pressed aggressively after losing possession, forcing Monza into long passes and limiting their ability to build through central areas.

Monza adjusted after half-time, moving the ball more quickly through midfield and targeting the space behind Torino’s advanced wing-backs. That change brought them back into the contest and produced a strong final 20 minutes, but Torino’s greater cutting edge in the box proved the difference. The home side were more clinical in the key moments, scoring three goals from a relatively modest number of clear chances.

Standout players

Nikola Vlasic was central to Torino’s best attacking work, linking midfield and attack and opening the scoring with a high-quality finish. Duvan Zapata gave the Monza defenders a difficult evening with his hold-up play and physical presence, while Antonio Sanabria delivered the decisive third goal.

For Monza, Andrea Colpani was the standout creative force, and Milan Djuric made a real impact from the bench with his late header. Monza’s goalkeeper also produced important saves to keep the scoreline close, particularly during Torino’s strongest spell before the hour mark.

What the result means

Torino move into a more comfortable position in the Serie A standings and strengthen their case for a top-half finish with European ambitions. The three points will be especially satisfying because they came in a game where the hosts had to withstand a late comeback attempt rather than cruise to victory.

Monza, meanwhile, remain in a fight for consistency. Their second-half response showed character and tactical flexibility, but conceding three goals away from home leaves them with work to do defensively. The Serie A table remains tight, and both sides will know that results in matches like this can shape the mood around an entire season.