Monza's Birindelli strike sinks Modena to keep Serie A dream alive
Monza moved level on points with Serie B leaders Venezia after a 1-0 victory over Modena at the U-Power Stadium on Friday. The only goal of the match came in the 27th minute from defender Lorenzo Birindelli, whose acrobatic effort secured a third consecutive win for the hosts. According to match reports, Modena goalkeeper Riccardo Thiam kept the scoreline respectable with a second-half save from Monza's Ambrosino, but the visitors could not find an equalizer.
This result temporarily puts Monza on 75 points, three clear of third-placed Frosinone, though they remain second due to an inferior head-to-head record against Venezia. The win maintains their push for automatic promotion back to Serie A at the first attempt under coach Bianco. For Birindelli, it was his fifth goal of the season, highlighting the 27-year-old's contribution from a wide defensive role.
Meanwhile, Modena's struggles continue as they extended their winless run to a month, remaining on 52 points and in the playoff positions but now looking over their shoulders. In Friday's other fixture, Avellino defeated Bari 2-0 with goals from Besaggio and Palumbo to climb into the eighth and final playoff spot, at least overnight, with 46 points. Bari suffered a third consecutive defeat, leaving them on 34 points and dangerously close to the relegation zone, just one point above the bottom three clubs.
The Serie B promotion race will see further drama on Saturday when leaders Venezia can secure promotion if they beat Empoli and Frosinone lose to Carrarese. Elsewhere, Palermo face Reggiana, and Cesena host Sampdoria in matches with significant implications at both ends of the table. Monza's focus now turns to their final two matches as they aim to hold off Frosinone and secure a return to the top flight.
