AC Monza vs. Juventus: Match Preview, Team News, and Prediction
The Serie A clash between AC Monza and Juventus promises to be a pivotal encounter for both sides. Struggling Monza, under pressure to secure their first home win of the season, host a Juventus team desperate to stay in the title race.
Monza’s Search for a Turnaround
AC Monza are winless in nine matches across all competitions, with embattled boss Alessandro Nesta facing mounting pressure. Despite the grim situation, Nesta will hope to rally his team for an upset against Juventus. Monza’s record against the Bianconeri offers some hope, as they have managed two wins in four top-flight meetings since their promotion.
The home side’s injury woes further complicate matters, with Matteo Pessina, Milan Djuric, and Roberto Gagliardini among the absentees. Suspensions add to Nesta’s challenges, leaving Monza with limited options to halt their poor run of form.
Juventus: Aiming to End the Stalemate Streak
Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A this season but have struggled to convert draws into wins, with their latest stalemate against Venezia marking their fourth consecutive league draw. The Bianconeri’s title hopes are slipping, as they sit nine points behind leaders Atalanta.
Thiago Motta’s side has battled injuries all season, particularly in defence, but the return of Federico Gatti offers some stability. Up front, Dusan Vlahovic remains a critical figure, having salvaged a point with a late penalty last weekend.
Team News and Tactics
AC Monza
Monza are likely to stick with a 3-4-2-1 formation. Armando Izzo, Pablo Mari, and Andrea Carboni will form the back three, while Pedro Pereira and Georgios Kyriakopoulos take up wide roles. In attack, Dany Mota leads the line, supported by Gianluca Caprari and Patrick Ciurria.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1):
Turati; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Bondo, Bianco, Kyriakopoulos; Caprari, Ciurria; Mota
Juventus
Thiago Motta will deploy a 4-2-3-1 system, with Federico Gatti and Pierre Kalulu forming the central defensive partnership. Dusan Vlahovic will lead the line, supported by Kenan Yildiz and Teun Koopmeiners in attacking roles.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Di Gregorio; Savona, Gatti, Kalulu, Danilo; Locatelli, Thuram; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Yildiz; Vlahovic
Key Stats
- Monza are winless in their last eight Serie A matches.
- The home side has yet to secure a Serie A victory on home soil this season.
- Juventus are unbeaten in their last 24 Serie A games.
- Juventus have drawn their last four Serie A matches, showcasing their struggle to convert dominance into victories.
Player to Watch: Dusan Vlahovic
The spotlight remains on Dusan Vlahovic, who continues to deliver in clutch moments for Juventus. The Serbian striker netted a late penalty to salvage a draw against Venezia, highlighting his importance to the team. With Juventus struggling to maintain leads and score consistently, Vlahovic’s ability to convert chances will be crucial.
Prediction
AC Monza 0-2 Juventus
Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
