Reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan return from the international break on Sunday evening as they travel to face Monza. The Nerazzurri have made an impressive start to their title defense, while the hosts are still seeking their first league win of the new campaign.
After opening with a draw against Genoa, Inter have hit their stride with back-to-back victories, including a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Atalanta last time out. Marcus Thuram has been in scintillating form, netting four goals in his first three league appearances for the club.
Manager Simone Inzaghi will be aiming to maintain Inter’s unbeaten record at the U-Power Stadium, where they’ve scored 10 goals across two previous visits. However, he may opt to rotate his squad with a crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City looming midweek.
Monza have endured a difficult start under new boss Alessandro Nesta, failing to win any of their opening three matches. Their winless run in Serie A now stretches to 12 games dating back to last season – the longest current streak in the division.
The Biancorossi have particularly struggled against fellow Lombardy clubs recently, losing six of their last seven such fixtures. Their attack has also sputtered, attempting a league-low 19 shots so far this term.
Team News
Simone Inzaghi’s Inter Milan squad is bolstered by the return of Davide Frattesi and Stefan de Vrij from thigh injuries, giving the manager more options as he considers rotating his lineup ahead of a crucial week in European and domestic competitions.
There’s a possibility that Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, who has been on international duty with Argentina, could be rested. Marko Arnautovic and Mehdi Tahremi are both available to partner Marcus Thuram in attack. Thuram has been in impressive form, netting four goals in his first three league matches this season.
Nicolo Barella, who missed Italy’s recent UEFA Nations League fixtures due to planned sinus surgery, is expected to be available for selection. The only confirmed absence for Inter is Canadian international Tajon Buchanan.
Monza, on the other hand, are facing some injury concerns. Goalkeeper Alessio Cragno is out with a shoulder injury, while wing-back Patrick Ciurria is sidelined with a knee problem. There’s also uncertainty surrounding Dany Mota’s availability.
With Mota unlikely to start, Alessandro Nesta is expected to field Gianluca Caprari and former Milan player Daniel Maldini behind main striker Milan Djuric. Maldini has been Monza’s most efficient goalscorer in 2024, averaging a goal every 107 minutes, and will be particularly motivated to score against Inter.
Expected Starting XI’s
Monza: Turati; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Bondo, Pessina, Kyriakopoulos; Maldini, Caprari; Petagna
Inter: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Augusto; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Frattesi, Dimarco; Thuram, Taremi
