Cremonese edged Monza 3-2 in an entertaining International Club Friendly on 26 September 2026, with a late winner deciding a match that swung back and forth throughout. The fixture gave both managers a chance to test different combinations, but the competitive edge was clear as the two Italian clubs traded goals at the U-Power Stadium.

Match overview

Monza started brightly and took the lead inside ten minutes through Dany Mota, whose movement behind the defence caused problems early on. Cremonese responded well, equalising through Franco Vazquez and then taking the lead before half-time when Dennis Johnsen finished off a swift attacking move.

Monza pushed for a response after the break and found it through Andrea Colpani, who levelled the score at 2-2. The game looked set for a draw, but Cremonese found a late goal to win 3-2. Both sides made numerous substitutions, yet the intensity remained high, making it a useful workout for players competing for starting places.

Key moments

• 10th minute: Dany Mota put Monza ahead with a sharp finish after a quick exchange on the edge of the box.
• 24th minute: Franco Vazquez equalised for Cremonese, curling a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
• 43rd minute: Dennis Johnsen made it 2-1 to Cremonese, converting from close range after a driving run.
• 61st minute: Andrea Colpani brought Monza level, finishing a flowing team move with a first-time strike.
• 78th minute: Cristian Buonaiuto scored the winner for Cremonese, pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area.

Tactical story

Monza lined up in a 3-4-2-1, looking to dominate possession and create overloads in central areas. Their wing-backs pushed high, and the two attacking midfielders drifted between the lines. This worked well in patches, especially in the first and early second half, but it also left space for Cremonese to exploit on the counter.

Cremonese used a 4-3-1-2 and were happy to concede possession in deeper areas before springing forward. Their front two worked the channels effectively, and the midfield trio provided energy and forward runs. The winning goal came from exactly that kind of pressure, as Cremonese won the ball high and punished Monza’s stretched shape.

Standout players

For Monza, Dany Mota was lively and took his goal well, while Andrea Colpani showed his quality with a composed equaliser. The midfield showed good moments of control, but defensive transitions remain an area to refine before competitive fixtures return.

Cremonese’s standout was Franco Vazquez, whose creativity and calmness in the final third set the tone. Dennis Johnsen was a constant threat with his pace, and Cristian Buonaiuto made the decisive contribution from the bench. The win gives Cremonese a morale boost and useful evidence that their attacking rotations are clicking.

Friendly impact

International club friendlies are about preparation, fitness, and tactical experimentation, and this match delivered all three. Monza will take positives from their attacking play but will review the goals conceded. Cremonese will be pleased with their efficiency and their ability to score in different ways.

With the domestic season in full flow, both sides will return to league commitments with valuable minutes in the legs of their squads. The 3-2 result may not count in the standings, but the performance data and competitive sharpness will matter as the campaign progresses.