Last weekend, Monza said goodbye to Serie A almost three years after its historic promotion to the top flight. The mathematical relegation came after a clear defeat in the Lombardy derby against Atalanta, who dominated the game in Brianza (0-4). It was the sixth consecutive defeat for the Biancorossi: since mid-February, they have earned only one point, thanks to a draw with Parma, while they have not won since January (2-1 against Fiorentina).
It was an inevitable fate after the Berlusconi family withdrew their support. Following the death of the former president, they no longer felt it appropriate to continue the project started seven years ago, when Monza was mired in the swamps of Serie C. While waiting to find out the plans for the future, coach Alessandro Nesta’s goal in these last three games will be to avoid the negative record for points since Serie A has been a 20-team league: Monza currently has 15 points and needs at least three more to “surpass” last year’s disastrous Salernitana, which finished with 17. Who knows, maybe someone will arrive in Udine for the away game against another team that has nothing left to play for in this championship. The Friulians, who have been safe for several months now, have just ended a long winless streak (two months exactly) by winning 2-1 away at Cagliari. It was a burst of pride for Kosta Runjaic’s team, which has been affected by numerous injuries, especially in attack. In Sardinia, Udinese returned to scoring after barely scoring a goal in their previous six games.
Udinese-Monza: the latest news on the lineups
Thauvin, a player who has never found peace in the second half of the season, was injured again for Udinese. On the other hand, Runjaic should be able to count on Lucca, who is vying with Sanchez to partner Davis. In addition to the young striker, the Bianconeri coach also welcomes back Ehizibue and Payero, who were suspended in Cagliari. In midfield, Atta and Ekkelenkamp are vying for a place.
On the other side, Nesta welcomes back starting goalkeeper Turati, who was out with the flu, and defender Carboni. Caldirola, however, will not be available as he is once again sidelined with a physical problem. The injury list remains long for Monza: there are few alternatives up front, and the Biancorossi coach will once again field the Mota-Caprari pairing.
Odds comparison
Udinese are priced at 1.45 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. A goal is priced at 1.90 on Goldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai.
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The prediction
Unbeaten against Monza in Serie A – two wins and three draws, with the Brianza side’s only victory coming in the Coppa Italia – the Friulians have a good chance of securing another win against a relegated team that seems to have already given up. With nothing important at stake, it cannot be ruled out that both teams will score: in fact, there has only been one ‘No Goal’ result in the last five meetings between the two sides.
Probable line-ups for Udinese-Monza
UDINESE (3-5-2): Okoye; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet; Ehizibue, Atta, Karlstrom, Lovric, Kamara; Lucca, Davis.
MONZA (3-5-2): Turati; Pedro Pereira, Palacios, Carboni; Birindelli, Akpa Akpro, Bianco, Castrovilli, Kyriakopoulos; Caprari, Mota Carvalho.