As Serie A action resumes following the winter break, Fiorentina travel to the U-Power Stadium on Monday evening, seeking to revive their faltering campaign against bottom-placed Monza. This clash presents an opportunity for the Viola to regain their footing in the race for European qualification, while the hosts desperately search for a lifeline in their battle against relegation.
After a blistering run of eight consecutive Serie A victories, Fiorentina have hit a rough patch, losing three of their last four league encounters. Their most recent outing saw them suffer a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at home to title contenders Napoli, marking their second straight loss at the Stadio Artemio Franchi – a feat not experienced since late 2023.
Despite this dip in form, Raffaele Palladino’s men remain in contention for a top-four finish. The upcoming fixtures against Monza and a struggling Torino side offer a prime opportunity for the Viola to regain their momentum and solidify their position in the European spots.
The situation for Monza appears increasingly bleak as they find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table. The Biancorossi have endured a torrid run of six consecutive defeats across all competitions, with their last outing resulting in a 2-1 loss to fellow relegation candidates Cagliari.
The appointment of Salvatore Bocchetti as head coach in December has yet to yield the desired turnaround. Monza’s current predicament is further compounded by historical precedent – over the past two decades, only two out of 13 teams with 10 points or fewer at the season’s midway point have managed to avoid relegation.
Fiorentina are expected to field a full-strength squad, with recent loan signing Michael Folorunsho from Napoli available for selection. Palladino may revert to his successful 4-2-3-1 formation, potentially recalling Albert Gudmundsson and former Monza star Andrea Colpani to the starting lineup. Moise Kean, the Viola’s top scorer with 15 goals across all competitions, is certain to lead the line.
Monza’s attacking woes are evident, having managed just 17 Serie A goals this season. The potential return of Milan Djuric to the starting XI could provide a much-needed focal point in attack. Gianluca Caprari, who has a strong scoring record against Fiorentina, may partner with Dany Mota in a bid to unlock the visitors’ defense.
This fixture carries additional significance for Raffaele Palladino, who returns to the club where he began his senior coaching career. During his tenure at Monza, Palladino oversaw 70 Serie A matches, twice securing the club’s top-flight status before his impressive work caught the attention of bigger clubs.
The head-to-head record favors Fiorentina, with Monza managing just one victory in their seven encounters across Serie A and Serie B. The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with Robin Gosens’ stoppage-time equalizer denying Monza a rare win against the Viola.
Team News
Monza will be without suspended Danilo D’Ambrosio, while injuries continue to plague the squad with Matteo Pessina, Georgios Kyriakopoulos, Roberto Gagliardini, and Alessio Cragno all sidelined. However, Pablo Mari returns from suspension, providing a boost to their defensive options.
Fiorentina have fewer injury concerns, with only Edoardo Bove and Cristiano Biraghi unavailable. Recent loan signing Michael Folorunsho is available for selection, adding depth to Palladino’s midfield options.
Expected Starting XIs
Monza: Turati; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Sensi, Bondo, Birindelli; Caprari, Maldini; Djuric
Fiorentina: De Gea; Dodo, Comuzzo, Ranieri, Gosens; Adli, Mandragora; Colpani, Gudmundsson, Sottil; Kean
Match Prediction
Given the contrasting fortunes and quality of the two sides, Fiorentina enter this match as clear favorites. While their recent defensive frailties are a concern, having conceded eight goals in their last four league games, the Viola possess enough firepower to outscore their struggling hosts.
Prediction: Monza 1-2 Fiorentina
