Monaco used a quiet Saturday in the international break to bring some familiar faces back under the lights. A 2-0 friendly victory over Serie B side Pisa delivered goals, minutes and a timely medical lift before a demanding month begins.
Quick facts
- Monaco beat Pisa 2-0 in a friendly during the international break.
- Folarin Balogun converted a penalty in the 59th minute.
- Mika Biereth added the second goal from close range in the 80th minute.
- Takumi Minamino and Ansu Fati made their first appearances of the season.
- Monaco face Toulouse in Ligue 1 on 10 October before travelling to CSKA Sofia in the Conference League on 15 October.
The fixture was arranged during Monaco’s three-week pause from competitive action, giving the squad an opportunity to restore match fitness. Minamino and Fati were both named in the starting line-up after long absences.
Japan international Minamino had been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury in December. He operated on the right and was withdrawn after an hour.
Fati, who has been recovering from a calf problem sustained in the summer, started behind Matthis Abline. The Spanish forward had not played a minute this season, including pre-season, and made way at half-time.
There were further returns across the Monaco side. Denis Zakaria played the opening 45 minutes after withdrawing from Switzerland duty with adductor discomfort.
Anis Soubeir, out since a mid-September ankle sprain, entered for the final half-hour and set up the second goal. Jordan Teze came on in the 57th minute after missing Monaco’s previous two matches with a hamstring issue.
Mohammed Salisu continued his own recovery by completing 74 minutes. The defender had only appeared in stoppage time during the 2-1 win over Lens on 18 September.
Monaco found their edge after the interval. Balogun, who had looked short of rhythm in his substitute appearance against Lens, played the whole second half and broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 59th minute.
Biereth also completed the second period after being left unused against Lens. The Danish forward finished from close range with 10 minutes remaining to seal the result.
The friendly was the last soft landing before Monaco’s schedule accelerates. Eight matches await in 30 days, beginning with Toulouse’s visit in Ligue 1 on 10 October and followed by the Conference League trip to Sofia five days later.
