The hosts got off to a terrible start when Luca Caldirola, who was preoccupied, accidentally kicked Almqvist rather than the ball and conceded a penalty. Nikola Krstovic earned a spot in the starting lineup for his strong start to the season and scored a superb penalty shot into the top corner. His third goal in as many games was this one. When Caldirola recovered possession and Colombo lay it off for Andrea Colpani to swoop in from the edge of the area, Monza was level.
They appeared to be roused by it as shortly after, Gianluca Caprari left the field with a damaged ankle, Patrick Ciurria touched the post, and Roberto Gagliardini's shot was deflected inches wide. Caldirola was sent his second yellow card for tripping Roberto Piccoli from behind, which reduced Monza to 10 men as well.