Solid, AS Monaco wins in Empoli
On the occasion of their first friendly match in Italy this Friday evening, Philippe Clément’s men won on the lawn of Empoli, resident of Serie A (1-0). Report.
For the first of his two friendlies in ItalyAS Monaco traveled this Friday evening to the lawn of Empoli, thirteenth in Serie A. After a lively meeting, the Red and Whites won on the smallest of scores (1-0).
Welcome to Stade Carlo-Castellani 🏟️📸 pic.twitter.com/vxp47xv9tF
– AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) December 16, 2022
A padlocked start to the match
Despite a sterile start to the game with no real chance, AS Monaco controlled the game. Kevin Volland offered himself the first chance of the match from a corner, but his header ended up on Guglielmo Vicario’s bar (12th). This opportunity has the merit of waking up the Tuscans, but Thomas Didillon is vigilant on a dangerous cross at ground level (17th). Established right side Edan Diop stands out by delivering two good crosses in the Italian area, but without success.
A first for Edan Diop!
On a free kick, Takumi Minamino did not catch the frame (29th) and Empoli got two good chances in quick succession through Alberto Grassi then Fabiano Parisi (30th, 32nd). After a slight downtime, AS Monaco came back from the front, but Jean Lucas saw his attempt to be stopped by the local goalkeeper (42nd).
This is only a postponement since Edan Diop, decided in legs this evening, opens the score with a superb shot from the right from a tight angle which leaves no chance for Guglielmo Vicario. His first but among the professionals (0-1, 44th)!
44′ Our Red and White take the lead just before half-time thanks to a goal from Edan Diop 👊
0⃣-1️⃣ #EMPASM pic.twitter.com/NA9i6yhwag
– AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) December 16, 2022
An iron defense
Empoli tries to react from the start, but a superb defensive return from Ismail Jakobs prevents Martin Satriano from spinning on goal (47th). A minute later, Thomas Didillon proved decisive on a shot from Nedim Bajrami (48th). Empoli got another great chance, but Ravzan Marin’s attempt flirted with the top corner (54′). AS Monaco reacts through Wissam Ben Yedder, but the head of our Capi ‘does not worry Vicario (57th).
Empoli has not said its last word and it takes a new gala Thomas Didillon to win brilliantly against the new attempt by Nedim Bajrami (60th). Despite a slowing pace, Satriano is very close to taking a cross in the empty goal (73rd). The Monegasque defense is well in place and remains vigilant to the slightest Italian incursion.
The Academy honored
With a rejuvenated workforce, as evidenced by the entries of Félix Lemarechal, Nazim Babaï Mamadou Coulibaly, Eliesse Ben Seghir and Jordan Semedo VarelaAS Monaco holds firm and offers a first success in this series of friendly matches, a week after the draw obtained on the lawn of Sevilla FC. Despite a last chance from Ekeng annihilated by a saving tackle from Malang Sarr (85th) and a final attempt by Eliesse Ben Seghir (89th) nothing more will be scored. Final score 1-0 for AS Monaco, next meeting tomorrow, on the lawn of Fiorentina. Dage!
𝗙𝗶𝗻 𝗱𝘂 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 🤝🔚
AS Monaco wins on the lawn of the @EmpoliFC during this second preparation match.
Next game against @acfiorentina tomorrow at 3 p.m. 🔜
0️⃣-1⃣ #EMPASM pic.twitter.com/0Z6Y4BUVGV
– AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) December 16, 2022
The match sheet
Friday, December 16
Stadio Carlo Castellani
Empoli FC – AS Monaco
Empoli : Vicario – Stojanovic (Ebuhehi 79th), Ismajli, Luperto ©, Parisi (Henderson 68th) – Grassi (Bandinelli 60th), Marin, Akpa Akpro (Pjaca 68th)- Baldanzi, Bajrami (Cambiaghi 60th) – Satriano (Ekong 79th)
Advertisement : Ismalji (24th) and Luperto (83rd) for Empoli
AS Monaco : Didillon – E.Diop (Babaï 67th), Maripán, Sarr, Jakobs (Semedo Varela 76th) – Akliouche (Ben Seghir 76th), Jean Lucas (Coulibaly 76th), Matazo, Minamino (Diatta 46th), Volland (Lemarechal 60th), Ben Yedder ©
Substitutes : Lienard, Babai, Bery, Semedo, Valme, Bamba, Coulibaly, Diatta, Lemarechal, Ben Seghir