Centre-back too pricey for Benfica scores to seal Serie A win | OneFootball

Lecce, featuring Tiago Gabriel, hosted and beat Monza, featuring Gustavo Varela, 3-2, on matchday four of Serie A. The Portuguese centre-back — who was targeted by Benfica, but was far too expensive for the club’s budget — got on the scoresheet in the Italian league match.

The home side began shaping their win with two goals from set-piece situations in the opening ten minutes. Ivan Ilic set up Lassana Coulibaly in the 3rd minute and Tiago Gabriel in the 10th. The Portuguese defender netted his second goal of the season.

Monza responded before half-time. Ricardo Mangas, the former Sporting full-back, only had to tap in Samuele Birindelli’s cross at the far post in the 20th minute. The former Lions player opened his scoring account for the Italian side.

Lecce’s one-goal lead, however, lasted less than two minutes. Danilo Veiga danced down the right flank and delivered an excellent cross for Lassana Coulibaly to grab his brace in the match (21'). Gustavo Varela, sold by Benfica in the last transfer window, also troubled the opposing defence with a dangerous effort, but Monza only managed to pull one back again right near the 90th minute. Exequiel Zeballos made it 3-2 in the 89th minute.

Dany Mota stayed on the bench for Monza, who suffered their third defeat in four matches and failed to escape the relegation zone. Lecce, meanwhile, claimed their second win and moved up to 10th place. Tiago Gabriel’s side face Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan next Sunday.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.