As the Serie A season reaches the halfway point, Lazio will host bottom-placed Monza at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. The match presents a golden opportunity for the Biancocelesti to reclaim their top-four position, while Monza desperately fight to keep their Serie A survival hopes alive.
Lazio enter the fixture with renewed confidence after a 2-1 victory over Cagliari on Monday. Goals from captain Mattia Zaccagni and top scorer Taty Castellanos secured three vital points, marking their second win in three league games. This recent upturn in form has seen Lazio climb to fifth place, level on points with fourth-placed Fiorentina but trailing on goal difference.
However, Marco Baroni’s side has struggled at home recently, failing to win any of their last four Serie A matches at the Olimpico. This surprising dip in home form follows a strong run of five consecutive victories earlier in the season. Baroni will be keen to end this winless streak and avoid matching an unwanted record from 2016 when Lazio went five home games without a league win.
Monza, in stark contrast, find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table with just 13 points, eight points from safety. Under Salvatore Bocchetti’s management, the Brianzoli have endured a torrid run, losing eight of their last nine games since the start of December. Their most recent outing resulted in a deflating 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Hellas Verona, with January signing Stefan Lekovic unfortunately scoring an own goal.
The historical record favours Lazio in this fixture. The Biancocelesti remain unbeaten in their five Serie A meetings with Monza to date. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, Zaccagni’s goal secured a 1-0 victory for Lazio, further highlighting the gulf between the two sides.
Lazio are expected to maintain their attacking 4-3-3 formation, with Castellanos spearheading the attack, supported by the in-form trio of Gustav Isaksen, Boulaye Dia, and Zaccagni. The midfield partnership of Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolo Rovella will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game.
Monza, given their precarious position and injury concerns, may adopt a more defensive approach. Their focus will likely be on maintaining a solid shape and looking to hit Lazio on the counter-attack, utilizing the pace of Mota and the hold-up play of Ganvoula.
Team News
Lazio’s selection concerns at full-back may be alleviated by the timely returns of Manuel Lazzari and Nuno Tavares from injury. Both players have recently rejoined full training, though it remains to be seen if Baroni will risk starting them immediately. Adam Marusic provides a versatile option on either flank if needed.
The hosts will still be without Patric, Matias Vecino, and Elseid Hysaj due to injuries. New signings Arijon Ibrahimovic, Reda Belahyane, and Oliver Provstgaard are likely to be named on the bench, providing fresh options if required.
Monza’s squad has undergone significant changes during the January transfer window, with several key departures including Warren Bondo, Daniel Maldini, and Pablo Mari. The striking department has been particularly affected, with Milan Djuric and Mirko Maric leaving. This places increased pressure on Dany Mota and new signing Silvere Ganvoula to lead the line, despite Mota’s 12-game goal drought in the league.
Injury concerns continue to plague Monza, with captain Matteo Pessina, Roberto Gagliardini, Luca Caldirola, and first-choice goalkeeper Stefano Turati all doubtful for the match. Lazio loanee Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro is also a major doubt, potentially adding to Bocchetti’s selection headaches.
Expected Starting XIs
Monza: Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Guendouzi, Rovella; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
Lazio: Pizzignacco; Lekovic, Izzo, Palacios; Pereira, Urbanski, Bianco, Kyriakopoulos; Ciurria, Mota; Ganvoula
Match Prediction
Given the stark contrast in form and quality between the two sides, Lazio are strong favorites to secure a comfortable victory. The Biancocelesti’s attacking prowess, coupled with Monza’s defensive frailties and injury woes, suggests a potentially one-sided affair.
Lazio should end their home slump with a convincing win, potentially by a 3-0 scoreline. This result would not only boost their top-four aspirations but also deepen Monza’s relegation fears as the season enters its crucial final months.
Prediction: Lazio 3-0 Monza
