Galatasaray vs Monza

Cutrone's goal early in the second half effectively killed the contest. Galatasaray had hoped to regroup at half-time and impose themselves after the break, but the 49th-minute strike — a scruffy but decisive finish — forced Okan Buruk's side to chase the game from a two-goal deficit. The Turkish champions introduced Victor Osimhen, Ilkay Gündogan and Lucas Torreira in a raft of 62nd-minute substitutions, but the changes could not alter the scoreline.

Patrick Cutrone was the standout player. The striker registered a goal and an assist, teeing up Carboni's opener with a clever volleyed knockdown before scoring the second himself. His movement caused problems for the Galatasaray backline throughout his 64 minutes on the pitch.

Andrea Carboni took his goal well and was a constant threat going forward from the left flank, forcing a sharp save from Guvenc that would have completed a brace.

Victor Osimhen injected urgency after his 62nd-minute introduction, troubling the Monza defence with his pace and power. He created a late chance but could not find the net, with Monza substitute goalkeeper Pizzignacco standing firm.

Monza's two goals came from just 0.63 xG combined according to post-match data, reflecting the opportunistic nature of their finishes — a set-piece knockdown and a rebound. Galatasaray generated more territory and possession after the mass substitutions, yet managed only one shot on target from open play, underscoring a lack of sharpness in the final third. The 21 substitutions across both sides (11 for Monza, 10 for Galatasaray) made the second half a disjointed affair, but Monza's early efficiency was the decisive difference.

For Monza, newly promoted to Serie A after winning the play-offs this summer, the result is a useful confidence-builder against a Champions League-calibre opponent. They continue their pre-season schedule with further friendlies ahead of the 2026-27 Serie A campaign.

Galatasaray, the reigning Turkish Süper Lig champions, will be unconcerned by the defeat at this stage of pre-season. They face another friendly fixture before competitive action resumes, with the new Süper Lig season approaching.

A pre-season friendly that told Monza more than it told Galatasaray. Juric's side looked sharp, organised and clinical in front of goal. Galatasaray's rustiness was understandable given the early stage of their preparations, but the ease with which Monza carved them open on the counter will give Okan Buruk something to address before competitive football begins.