Como and Monza are set to clash at Stadio Sinigaglia this Saturday in a crucial Serie A matchup as both teams aim to break their winless streaks. With Como having not won in their last seven matches and Monza’s last victory dating back to October, the stakes are high for both local rivals.
Como’s recent form has been disheartening, highlighted by a 2-0 defeat at home against Fiorentina last week. Since their return to Serie A, the team has only managed two victories, both occurring in late September. Currently sitting in the relegation zone after 13 matches, Como’s struggles have led head coach Cesc Fabregas to defend his players against what he considers unrealistic expectations. The club’s promotion from Serie B was marked by significant media attention due to Fabregas’s involvement alongside football icons like Thierry Henry and Raphael Varane. However, the harsh reality of top-flight football has set in, with Como demonstrating a concerning lack of offensive potency—scoring just once for every 22 attempts into the opposition box, ranking them fourth-worst in the league. Additionally, they are one of only three teams in Europe’s top five leagues yet to keep a clean sheet this season, indicating defensive frailties that Fabregas must address urgently.
On the other hand, Monza have historically performed well against Como, remaining unbeaten in eight previous encounters across Serie B and Serie C. However, they suffered a setback two years ago when they last faced Como and came away without points. Under previous manager Raffaele Palladino, Monza had established themselves as a competitive mid-table team through strategic recruitment. Yet since Palladino’s departure and the appointment of Alessandro Nesta, results have taken a nosedive; Monza has claimed just one victory in their last 22 league outings—a stark contrast to their earlier success. Currently positioned at the bottom of the league standings with only 12 points from 13 matches, Nesta’s squad is under pressure as they prepare for an upcoming Coppa Italia match against Bologna.
Como’s recent Serie A results include draws and losses that reflect their ongoing struggles. Their performances have been characterized by a lack of scoring and defensive vulnerabilities. In contrast, Monza’s recent results show a mix of a win followed by several draws and losses, highlighting their own difficulties in maintaining form.
Team News
Como will face challenges with squad depth as key players are unavailable. Centre-back Alberto Dossena is suspended following a red card against Fiorentina, leading to potential adjustments in defense with Edoardo Goldaniga shifting positions and Ignace Van der Brempt returning from injury. Other absentees include Sergi Roberto, Maximo Perrone, and Alessandro Gabrielloni due to injuries. However, there is some positive news with Luca Mazzitelli and Gabriel Strefezza expected to return to action.
For Monza, captain Matteo Pessina remains sidelined alongside midfielder Roberto Gagliardini and goalkeeper Alessio Cragno due to injuries. Armando Izzo will also miss out due to suspension. In his absence, Luca Caldirola is likely to step into the defensive lineup. Veteran striker Milan Djuric will continue to lead the attack alongside Italy international Daniel Maldini.
Expected Starting XIs
Como: Audero; Van der Brempt, Goldaniga, Barba, Moreno; Engelhardt, Da Cunha; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone
Monza: Turati; Caldirola, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Bianco, Bondo, Kyriakopoulos; Maldini, Mota; Djuric
Match Prediction
As both teams grapple with poor form and low morale, this encounter is poised to be tightly contested. With neither side showing a propensity for high-scoring games this season—Como averaging just over one goal per match at home and Monza struggling on the road—it’s anticipated that a single goal could very well determine the outcome of this match. Given Como’s home advantage and their desperate need for points to escape relegation threats, they may edge out Monza with a narrow victory.
Prediction: Como 1-0 Monza
