Softfootball previews Saturday’s Serie A showdown between Monza and AC Milan, analyzing predictions, team news, and potential lineups.
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After a midweek loss to Napoli left Milan 11 points off the Serie A summit, they seek redemption in a local derby against Monza. Meanwhile, Monza hopes to replicate their sensational victory from last season when they stunned Milan with a 4-2 comeback.
Match Overview:
Milan faced off against Serie A leaders Napoli on Tuesday, hoping to close the gap at the top of the table. However, early goals from Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sealed a 2-0 defeat for the Rossoneri, putting further pressure on manager Paulo Fonseca. This loss, coupled with recent Champions League setbacks, has intensified speculation about Fonseca’s job security. Milan now sits in eighth place with inconsistent results under their belt.
Amid murmurs of discontent in the dressing room and the controversial benching of star forward Rafael Leao, Fonseca’s tactical decisions have come under scrutiny. A trip to nearby Monza offers a chance for reprieve, but last season’s 4-2 defeat serves as a cautionary tale. That loss saw Monza overturn a two-goal deficit with two late stoppage-time goals, including one from Milan loanee Lorenzo Colombo.
Monza’s Current Form:
Monza, now under the leadership of former Milan legend Alessandro Nesta, have had a challenging start to the season, finding themselves near the relegation zone with just eight points from 10 matches. Despite their struggles, they recently celebrated their first league win of the season and reached the last 16 of the Coppa Italia. However, their midweek defeat to Atalanta underscored ongoing vulnerabilities.
Team News:
AC Milan will see the return of Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders, both suspended midweek. Tammy Abraham and Luka Jovic remain unfit, so Alvaro Morata will likely lead the attack with Christian Pulisic back from illness. Whether Leao reclaims his spot or Noah Okafor starts on the left is still uncertain. Long-term injuries continue to sideline Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi.
Monza will miss Samuele Birindelli, Alessio Cragno, and Stefano Sensi due to injuries. However, Warren Bondo returns from suspension. Milan Djuric is expected to spearhead the attack, potentially alongside Daniel Maldini, who could face his former club.
Predicted Lineups:
Monza: Turati; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Pessina, Bondo, Kyriakopoulos; Mota, Maldini; Djuric
AC Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Tomori, Thiaw, Hernandez; Fofana, Reijnders; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Match Outlook:
Milan’s inconsistency, particularly on the road, poses a challenge, but Monza’s own confidence issues could play in the visitors’ favor. If AC Milan scores first, they are likely to control the game and secure the win. For detailed analysis, including potential scorelines, check out Softfootball’s match insights and subscribe for daily game previews!
