Monza remains rooted to Serie A basement after 4-0 defeat by Roma

ROME (AP) — Roma beat last-placed Monza 4-0 to extend its unbeaten Serie A run to 10 games and deepen the Lombardy club’s already serious relegation fears on Monday.

The win will delight Roma coach Claudio Ranieri, who has watched his charges put together the best run of form in the league in 2025.

Roma has taken 20 of a possible 24 points since the turn of the year, a run anchored by the best defense in the league over the same period.

The home side went ahead in the 10th minute through Alexis Saelemaekers.

Three teammates lined up expecting a cross but the Belgian winger cut inside from the right and curled a fine shot into the far corner of the net.

Uzbek striker Eldor Shomurodov doubled its lead. Matías Soulé Malvano twisted and turned inside the box and Shomurodov headed home unmarked.

Spanish fullback Angelino made it 3-0 18 minutes from time with a low drive and Cristante added a fourth three minutes from time with a glancing header from a corner.

The defeat left Monza three points adrift at the bottom of Serie A.

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Roma's Eldor Shomurodov, left, and Monza's Arvid Brorsson in action during the Serie A soccer match between Roma and Monza at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Monday Feb. 24, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)

Roma's Alexis Saelemaekers celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Roma and Monza at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Monday Feb. 24, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)

Roma's Alexis Saelemaekers celebrates scoring during the Serie A soccer match between Roma and Monza at the Rome's Olympic stadium, Italy, Monday Feb. 24, 2025. (Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse via AP)

DENVER (AP) — Versatile infielder/outfielder Willi Castro and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $12.8 million, two-year deal Thursday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Castro spent last season with the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs, where he hit a combined .226 with 11 homers and 33 RBIs. He played all three outfield spots last season in addition to seeing time at third and shortstop. He even pitched an inning while with the Twins.

The 28-year-old Castro made his major league debut on Aug. 24, 2019, while with Detroit. He spent four seasons with the Tigers before joining the Twins, where he was an All-Star in 2024. He was traded to the Cubs last July.

Earlier in the day, the Rockies finalized the signing of right-handed starter Michael Lorenzen to an $8 million, one-year contract. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027. Right-hander Bradley Blalock was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/mlb

FILE - Chicago Cubs' Willi Castro (1) runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Sept. 5, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File)