The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is set to host a compelling Serie A clash on Sunday evening as high-flying Napoli welcome struggling Monza.
Antonio Conte’s Napoli have made an impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign, sitting just one point off the top of the Serie A table after five matches. The Partenopei are unbeaten since the opening day and have been particularly ruthless in recent weeks, scoring nine unanswered goals in their last three outings across all competitions.
Napoli’s strong form continued midweek with a commanding 5-0 victory over Palermo in the Coppa Italia, where summer signings Cyril Ngonge, Scott McTominay, and David Neres all found the net. This result sets up an intriguing last-16 clash with Lazio and demonstrates the depth Conte now has at his disposal following a busy transfer window.
The hosts have been particularly formidable at the Maradona, winning all four home games under Conte’s stewardship. Their attack, spearheaded by the potent duo of Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, has been in scintillating form, with Napoli scoring the most Serie A goals in the final 30 minutes of matches this season.
In stark contrast, Monza find themselves in the midst of a prolonged crisis. Alessandro Nesta’s side are winless in their last 14 Serie A matches, a run stretching back to last season. This poor form sees them languishing in 19th place with just three points from their opening five fixtures.
The Biancorossi’s struggles were evident in their recent 2-1 home defeat to Bologna, where a late equalizer from veteran striker Milan Djuric was quickly nullified. Monza’s primary issue has been their lack of goalscoring threat, having netted just four times in the league this season.
However, there was a glimmer of hope for Nesta’s men on Thursday as they secured passage to the Coppa Italia last-16 with a 3-1 victory over Brescia. Goals from Giorgos Kyriakopoulos, Gianluca Caprari, and captain Matteo Pessina provided a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their trip to Naples.
Napoli have dominated recent meetings between these sides, winning two of their four previous Serie A encounters and scoring four goals on both occasions. Their last meeting in April saw the Partenopei emerge 4-2 victors in Monza, thanks to a second-half blitz.
Team News
Napoli will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alex Meret due to a thigh injury, with Elia Caprile set to continue between the posts. Conte is likely to recall his strongest XI after rotating for the cup tie, with Alessandro Buongiorno anchoring the defense. The centre-back boasts an impressive record of not being dribbled past in 1,333 minutes of Serie A action – the best in the league.
For Monza, Gianluca Caprari will be hoping his midweek goal can spark a return to form as he chases his 50th Serie A strike. The visitors have several injury concerns, with Samuele Birindelli, Patrick Ciurria, Roberto Gagliardini, Samuele Vignato, and goalkeeper Alessio Cragno all sidelined. Dany Mota is also doubtful with a muscular issue.
Expected Starting XIs
Napoli: Caprile; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; McTominay, Lobotka, Anguissa; Politano, Lukaku, Kvaratskhelia
Monza: Turati; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Bondo, Pessina, Kyriakopoulos; Maldini, Caprari; Djuric
Match Prediction
Given the contrasting fortunes of these two sides, Napoli enter the match as strong favorites. Their impressive home form, coupled with Monza’s struggles in front of goal, suggests a comfortable victory for Conte’s men.
While Monza will be buoyed by their midweek cup success, the gulf in quality and confidence between the teams is likely to be evident. Expect Napoli’s attacking firepower to prove too much for the visitors, with the hosts potentially extending their run of clean sheets.
Prediction: Napoli 2-0 Monza
