Monza – AC Milan : Preview & Prediction
This could be an opportune moment for Monza to receive a visit from defending Serie A (SA) champions AC Milan for the first time at the Stadio Brianteo as their 1-0 win over Bologna extended their current unbeaten league run to eight games (G4, E4). Without a league loss in all of 2023, their preseason ambitions of a top ten finish in the table could become a reality.
That said, Monza have not won at home in 2023, with each of their three games in that capacity ending in draws, with two needing an injury-time goal to level the scores. One of those was against Milan’s bitter rivals Inter, meaning Monza should not be written off if they fall behind on the scoreboard, especially as they have scored eight of their 16 home goals in SA after the 60th minute.
Nearly ten years had passed since Milan’s last win in a UEFA Champions League knockout round, but they beat Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday night to record back-to-back 1-0 victories and consequently end a miserable run of seven official appearances without a win (E2, P5). That pair of wins helped put their defensive woes aside as they recorded their first clean sheet since November and consecutive clean sheets for the first time since August.
Some have speculated that their improvement is due to the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from injury. He was on the bench in the win over Torino and could make his first appearance of the season in this match. Coach Stefano Pioli will certainly welcome any contribution from the Swedish international as Milan have won just one of their last six away games (E2, P3) and have yet to beat a team that started this matchday in the top half of the table this campaign (E1, P3) in this condition.
Players to watch: Andrea Petagna has regained his form somewhat and is evidenced by his record of one goal and three assists in Monza’s last five games in SA, while Milan’s Champions League hero Brahim Diaz has scored five official goals for the Rossoneri this season, including a brace in the previous league clash against their rivals.
Weekend stat: Milan have dropped points just once after opening the scoring in a match this SA season (G10, E1).
Monza – AC Milan : Betting Tips
AC Milan – Win Odds: 2.25
