In the late game on the last day of Serie A, Napoli responded to Inter, immediately returning to within three points of the Nerazzurri. The victory over Empoli (3-0) was never in doubt: the Azzurri enforced the law of the “Maradona” – yet another positive result at home, where they have not lost since December – driven by two of their summer signings, McTominay (two goals) and Lukaku. After the match, Antonio Conte emphasized his team’s resilience, reminding everyone that if the title race is not over yet, it is thanks to Napoli.
Unlike Inter, the Neapolitans can focus solely on the league from now until the end of May, as they have done all season. Moreover, Di Lorenzo and his teammates do not have an irresistible schedule; on the contrary, the goal is to try to win them all, waiting for a misstep by the leaders, who are still engaged on three fronts (Inter’s passage to the next round of the Champions League is certainly positive news for Conte). Napoli immediately has the opportunity to put pressure on Simone Inzaghi’s team, which will face the formidable Bologna in this round. Conte’s men, on the other hand, have a very easy task on paper against a Monza side that has no hope of survival and could be mathematically relegated after this weekend following a series of results. The ‘verdict’ for the Brianza side came seven days ago with their 1-0 defeat in Venice, their third in a row, which left them bottom of the table with 15 points. Since October, the Biancorossi have won just one game.
Monza-Napoli: the latest team news
Defense needs to be reviewed for the Biancorossi coach Nesta, who will not have D’Ambrosio and Izzo available against Napoli. The trio should therefore consist of Pereira, Caldirola, and Carboni. Castrovilli and Urbanski are vying for a place in midfield, while the attacking duo will be Mota and Caprari (the latter replacing the injured Keita Balde).
Conte also has problems in defense, especially after the serious injury to Juan Jesus, whose season is over. If Buongiorno is unable to play, the coach will turn to Marin. Compared to last Monday, Di Lorenzo and Anguissa are back in the squad.
UPDATE: Neres is out again, which is bad news for Conte. The team will therefore return to a 3-5-2 formation with Lukaku and Raspadori up front.
Odds comparison
The “No Goals” bet is priced at 1.53 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.45 on Snai. The “Away Team 2-4 Goals” bet is priced at 1.55 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.57 on Snai.
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Prediction
Napoli boasts the best defense in the tournament (only 25 goals conceded) and another clean sheet against the struggling Monza would not be surprising. The five previous matches in Serie A also suggest backing the Azzurri, who have beaten the Brianza side three times, including last year’s 4-2 win at the U-Power Stadium. The 2-4 away win is also worth considering in a match that will end the Neapolitans’ away drought, as they have not won away from the Maradona since January.
Probable line-ups for Monza-Napoli
MONZA (3-5-2): Turati; Pereira, Caldirola, Carboni; Birindelli, Urbanski, Bianco, Akpa-Akpro, Kyriakopoulos; Caprari, Dany Mota.
NAPOLI (3-5-2): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Rafa Marin; Politano, Zambo Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera; Raspadori, Lukaku.