Monza reached the first international break with only four points from five Serie A matches and a place in the lower reaches of the table, but their home win over Sassuolo offered Ivan Juric a more encouraging closing note. Varela’s two goals decided that match and underlined the early value of a summer signing who has quickly become central to the Brianzoli’s attack.
Varela gives Monza a forward reference point
Signed from Benfica during the summer, Varela has made an immediate impression in his first months in Italy. His brace against Sassuolo took his league total to four goals, all scored across four appearances in which he received a rating.
- Varela has four Serie A goals from four rated appearances.
- His fantasy average stands at 9.6, the highest in the Monza squad after five rounds among players with at least three rated matches.
- The Sassuolo victory came at the U-Power Stadium and sent Monza into the break with a needed lift after an uneven opening sequence.
For a side still trying to move away from the bottom part of the standings, the striker’s impact has given Juric a clear source of goals at a time when every result can shape the mood around the club.
Summer arrivals make their mark
Varela has not been the only newcomer to settle quickly. Left-sided player Mangas, registered as a defender, arrived on loan from Sporting Lisbon and has contributed at both ends of the pitch.
- Mangas has played in all five rated matches.
- He has recorded one goal and two assists.
- His fantasy average is 7.1.
- Akinsanmiro, another summer recruit and formerly of Pisa, has become a regular in Monza’s midfield.
- The midfielder has been rated in four of the five league games, provided one assist and holds a 6.3 fantasy average.
The early returns from the transfer window matter for Monza. Juric’s team have not yet built sustained momentum, yet the new players have already supplied goals, assists and a degree of continuity in key areas of the side.
Established figures remain part of the picture
Alongside the arrivals, familiar members of the Monza group have also begun to contribute. Andrea Colpani has appeared in four of the five matches and has returned to scoring in Serie A for the first time since October 2024. The attacking midfielder’s fantasy average is 6.6.
Dany Mota, a longstanding reference point for the club, has been rated in three league fixtures and shares a 6.3 average with Akinsanmiro. His role remains significant under Juric, even as Monza look to turn a promising win before the break into a steadier run of league results.
