Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro enjoyed a dream debut for newly promoted Serie A side Monza, scoring twice to inspire a dramatic 4-2 comeback victory over Milan Futuro in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old came off the bench in the second half and made an immediate impact, scoring a late brace as Monza overturned a one-goal deficit to secure an impressive victory at the club’s training centre.
Milan Futuro struck first through Menon in the 22nd minute to take an early lead. Monza responded just before the break when new signing Varela scored his first goal for the club in the 41st minute.
However, the visitors regained the advantage moments later as Pandolfi found the net on the stroke of half-time to send Milan Futuro into the interval with a 2-1 lead.
Monza emerged with greater urgency after the restart, and the head coach’s decision to introduce Akinsanmiro proved decisive.
The Nigerian midfielder drew the hosts level in the 82nd minute, calmly finishing a perfectly weighted through ball from Andrea Petagna.
Five minutes later, Forson completed the turnaround by firing Monza into the lead before Akinsanmiro put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. Once again, Petagna provided the assist, setting up the Nigerian to grab his second goal of the afternoon and cap a memorable debut.
Petagna ended the match with three assists, playing a key role in Monza’s attacking display.
Akinsanmiro only completed his move to Monza from Inter Milan earlier this month and wasted no time announcing himself to the club’s supporters.
The talented midfielder spent last season on loan at Pisa, making 24 Serie A appearances, while previously enjoying another productive loan spell with Sampdoria, where he gained valuable first-team experience.
On the international stage, Akinsanmiro has already earned recognition with the Super Eagles and was part of Nigeria’s squad that secured a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations.
His match-winning performance against Milan Futuro offers an encouraging glimpse of what Monza supporters can expect as the club prepares for life back in Serie A.
With two goals on his debut and an immediate influence on proceedings, Akinsanmiro has made an ideal start to his Monza career and strengthened his case for a prominent role in the team’s midfield ahead of the new campaign.
