MONZA – SALERNITANA | Sunday 3pm
The common objective of Monza and Salernitana is salvation, but neither arrives at the break with the water at their throats, on the contrary. After a disastrous start, the Brianzoli have turned the tide with new coach Raffaele Palladino, and can now afford to manage a six-point lead over the relegation zone. Last Thursday, in the midweek round, they held off Lazio for a long time in the match at the Stadio Olimpico, only capitulating in the second half. For the Biancorossi, unaccustomed to draws – they have scored just one in 14 matches – it was the fourth defeat in their last five matches. The three points won a week ago in the direct clash with Verona saved the day: without that success against the Scaligeri we would probably be talking about something else right now and the situation would have been decidedly less calm. Monza have yet to draw at home, but it was at the old Brianteo that they racked up the bulk of the points.
Salernitana also want to live the long World Cup break without any major worries, and getting to 20 points – the Granata currently have 17 – would be ideal for planning the second half of the season in complete tranquillity. The granata team must redeem the false step in Florence, where they surrendered at the end of the match to Jovic’s goal (2-1), thus interrupting the positive series that lasted three matches, a series that also includes the prestigious victory against Lazio. Davide Nicola can however be satisfied with how things are going: at this rate, salvation could come sooner than expected, avoiding another suffering along the lines of last year’s.
Monza-Salernitana: latest line-up news
Bronn and Maggiore
With Sensi and Pablo Marì in the box due to injury, Palladino’s doubts are not few. Compared to the match in Rome against Lazio, Caprari should be back from the 1′: the former Verona man will flank Petagna in attack, with the coach likely to re-propose the 3-5-2, exploiting the outside lanes more, with Birindelli and Carlos Augusto dominating. Also looking for space are D’Alessandro and Gytkjaer. In defence, Caldirola is favoured over Carboni.
On the other side, Nicola will recover two starters in defence: they are Fazio and Lovato, both now recovered. Regia entrusted to Radovanovic, who only came on in the second half in Florence. The experienced midfielder will be assisted by Maggiore and Lassana Coulibaly. Dia, who also scored at the “Franchi” stadium, is sure to be in front: Piatek should be with him.
The prediction
The league position allows both sides to approach this match without too much anxiety. And dealing with two defences that are far from impenetrable, it is highly likely that they will score at least one goal each. Despite Salernitana being ahead at the moment, bookmakers see Monza as slight favourites. In our opinion, however, the Granata have what it takes to at least avoid defeat and a draw cannot be ruled out, which would be the first home draw for the Brianza team.
Monza v Salernitana matchday squad
- MONZA (3-5-2): Di Gregorio; Marlon, Caldirola, Izzo; Birindelli, Pessina, Rovella, Colpani, Carlos Augusto; Petagna, Caprari.
- SALERNITANA (3-5-2): Sepe; Lovato, Daniliuc, Fazio; Candreva, Maggiore, Radovanovic, L. Coulibaly, Mazzocchi; Dia, Piatek.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
