Monza has secured their place in the promotion final for Serie A after defeating Juve Stabia 2-1 in the second leg of the semi-final playoff, with a combined score of 4-3. After the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw, the team from Brianza advanced with the overall result. Bulgarian national Valentin Antonov remained on the bench throughout the match.
The match was decided in the closing minutes, with a thrilling finale. Forward Patrick Cutrone emerged as the hero for the home team, scoring both goals in the final minutes. He opened the scoring in the 84th minute, but Juve Stabia equalized through Rares Bunete in the 90th. Cutrone then sealed the victory for Monza with his second goal in the 96th minute.
From another perspective, however, it was a difficult year for Valentin Antonov, marked by a serious injury. Due to a severe knee injury sustained in mid-August 2025, Antonov missed almost the entire championship and was out of action for eight months. Antonov returned to Monza's squad in mid-April and has only one official appearance in Serie B this season.
Monza will face the winner of the Palermo vs. Catanzaro semi-final in the promotion final. The decisive matches will be played on May 24 and 29, 2026.
Monza's journey is so inspiring, and to think Antonov might play a bigger role next season gets me excited! Can you imagine the impact he could have once he's fully fit? This is just the beginning for Monza!