As the Serie A season enters its eighth round, Hellas Verona prepares to host Monza at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on Monday evening. This match presents an intriguing contrast between two teams experiencing very different starts to their campaigns.
Hellas Verona, currently sitting 12th in the table with 9 points, have shown flashes of potential this season. Their recent 2-1 victory over Venezia ended a concerning three-match losing streak and highlighted their resilience. Manager Paolo Zanetti’s side has been particularly effective in the second half of matches, scoring 9 goals after the break – joint-highest in the league alongside Napoli.
In stark contrast, Monza find themselves languishing in 19th place, still searching for their first win of the season. With just 4 points from 7 matches, the pressure is mounting on manager Alessandro Nesta to turn things around. Their most recent result, a 1-1 draw against Roma, offered a glimmer of hope but also extended their winless run.
Verona’s attacking threat has been bolstered by summer signings Casper Tengstedt and Daniel Mosquera, both of whom have netted three goals apiece in Serie A. Zanetti faces a selection dilemma up front, with both strikers vying for a starting berth.
For Monza, the focus will be on Milan Djuric, who returns to face his former club. The striker has two league goals this term and will be supported by Daniel Maldini, fresh off scoring his first goal for Italy during the international break.
Team News
Verona will be without defenders Martin Frese and Pawel Dawidowicz due to injury. However, midfielder Suat Serdar has recovered from a thigh problem and could make the bench. Reda Belahyane is expected to continue in midfield as Serdar regains full fitness.
Monza’s injury woes are easing, with Stefano Turati recovered from a hand injury. Andrea Petagna, Stefano Sensi, and Patrick Ciurria could also return to action. However, Roberto Gagliardini and Alessio Cragno remain sidelined.
Expected Starting XIs
Verona: Montipo; Tchatchoua, Daniliuc, Magnani, Bradaric; Duda, Belahyane; Suslov, Kastanos, Lazovic; Tengstedt
Monza: Turati; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Bondo, Bianco, Kyriakopoulos; Pessina, Maldini; Djuric
Match Prediction
Given Verona’s improved form at home and Monza’s struggles on the road, a closely contested match is expected. Verona’s ability to score in the second half could prove crucial, but Monza’s desperation for a win might spur them to a resilient performance.
Prediction: Hellas Verona 1-1 Monza
