MONZA, Italy (Interstat) — In a tightly contested Serie B clash that defied one statistical projection and fulfilled another, AC Monza secured a 2-1 comeback victory over visiting Avellino on Sunday at U-Power Stadium.

The result, decided by a late goal from captain Matteo Pessina, strengthened Monza’s position near the top of the league table while extending Avellino’s inconsistent form.

The match, played on Feb. 8, 2026, was a rematch of a September fixture won by Avellino. The visitors appeared on course for another upset when substitute Tommaso Biasci broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. The goal, assisted by fellow substitute Patrick Enrici, came against the run of play and silenced the home supporters.

Monza, which had been favored with an 82.7% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, increased its pressure. The equalizer arrived in the 78th minute through forward Patrick Cutrone, who finished a chance created by substitute Andréa Le Borgne.

The game seemed destined for a draw, a result predicted by Interstat’s game simulator. However, Monza found a winner in the dying moments. Midfielder Matteo Pessina, the team’s pivotal figure, scored the decisive goal, assisted by substitute Filippo Missori in the final minutes of regulation time to complete the turnaround.

The match was a physical affair, reflected in three yellow cards. Avellino’s Patrick Enrici was booked in the 34th minute. After Monza’s equalizer, Andréa Le Borgne received a yellow in the 79th minute. Deep into stoppage time, Monza’s Filippo Missori was also cautioned.

With the win, Monza improved its Serie B record to 11 wins, 3 losses and 6 draws, maintaining its status as a leading promotion contender. Across all competitions, Monza now stands at 13 wins, 6 losses and 6 draws.

Avellino’s defeat leaves it in the middle of the table with a league record of 7 wins, 8 losses and 6 draws. Their overall record across all competitions dipped to 7 wins, 9 losses and 6 draws. The loss continued a pattern of erratic results for Avellino, which had followed a significant win over Sampdoria in its previous outing with this narrow defeat.

Monza will look to build on this momentum with a quick turnaround, facing Suditrol on the road Wednesday. Avellino’s next Serie B match is not until March 15, when it travels to face Virtus Entella.