Bologna celebrated their third consecutive victory with a 2-1 comeback win against Monza at home. The match featured a penalty goal from Varela (6′), a volley from Pobega (59′), and a crucial late penalty save by Skorupski to deny Cutrone.

VAR played a significant role in this game, leading to three penalties awarded (two to Monza and one to Bologna), but Bologna emerged victorious, increasing their points tally to 14 while Monza remains at 7.

🎯 Varela: 9 Goals in 9 Games, Matching Pierino Prati

The match kicked off with high energy, as Odgaard narrowly missed with a header in the first minute. In the third minute, Monza was awarded a penalty after Theate fouled Dany Mota, who was set up by Zeballos. Referee Zanotti pointed to the spot, allowing Varela to confidently convert the penalty, sending Skorupski the wrong way and giving Monza an early lead at 0-1.

Varela became the latest player to score at least 9 goals in his first 9 Serie A appearances before turning 22, matching Pierino Prati’s record from 1968 (according to Opta data).

🤩 Pobega Adds Another Stunner

Bologna began to dominate possession, with Pobega particularly impactful. He leveled the score in the 33rd minute by meeting a corner from Miranda with a powerful volley, making it 1-1 and highlighting his form following a previous goal against Inter.

😱 Penalties Galore: Bernardeschi Scores While Skorupski Saves

In the 52nd minute, VAR reviewed a challenge by Goglichidze on Cambiaghi for a potential red card, but the referee deemed it not a sending-off offense. Just four minutes later, Lucchesi fouled Theate in the box, leading to another VAR review and the awarding of a second penalty, this time for Bologna. Bernardeschi converted in the 59th minute, giving Bologna a 2-1 advantage.

Referee Zanotti was not finished, as he awarded a third penalty after reviewing footage of a handball by Zortea in the Bologna box in the 79th minute, giving Monza another chance to equalize. Cutrone, who had recently come on for Varela, took the penalty, but Skorupski made a crucial save, preserving Bologna’s lead and sealing the three points for his team.