This Saturday afternoon, two Serie A rivals, Como and Monza, meet at Stadio Sinigaglia, both eager to break their extended streaks without a win. While Como goes into this game without a win in seven games, Monza have not tasted success since October. Here is a detailed look at what to expect.
Match Preview: A Fight for Redemption
Como, led by rookie coach Cesc Fabregas, has struggled in their return to Serie A. The high-profile promotion and big-money signings, including Raphael Varane, have yet to translate into wins for the bottom-of-the-table side after managing a meager two victories this campaign, both in late September.
The main questions he faces are a lack of attacking efficiency, with Como averaging one goal per 22 balls played into the opposition box-also among the lowest in the league. Defensively, they have yet to manage a clean sheet, the weakness that Fabregas needs to address urgently.
While Milan does not face a completely risk-free game, Monza is dealing with their own woes under Alessandro Nesta, having won only one in their last 22 Serie A games-the 3-0 victory against Hellas Verona in October. After that bright beginning against Como with an unbeaten run in eight previous lower-league encounters, the recent form has disappointed for Monza, having garnered a lowly 12 points in 2024 within Serie A.
Their attacking struggles mirror Como’s, as Monza has failed to score in half of their 16 away matches this year. However, a crucial goal from veteran striker Milan Djuric last weekend salvaged a draw against Torino, offering a glimmer of hope.
Team News:
Como:
Out: Alberto Dossena (suspension), Sergi Roberto, Maximo Perrone, Alessandro Gabrielloni (injuries).
In: Luca Mazzitelli and Gabriel Strefezza come in, with the latter joining Patrick Cutrone and Nico Paz up front.
Defensive changes, as Edoardo Goldaniga should shift to center-back, while Ignace Van der Brempt replaces him on the right full-back position.
Monza:
Out: Matteo Pessina, Roberto Gagliardini, Alessio Cragno (injuries); Armando Izzo (suspension).
In: Luca Caldirola is set to replace Izzo in defense. Upfront, Daniel Maldini partners with Milan Djuric, who has scored 12 headed Serie A goals—ranking him among Europe’s most prolific aerial threats.
Predicted Lineups
Como (4-2-3-1):
Audero; Van der Brempt, Goldaniga, Barba, Moreno; Engelhardt, Da Cunha; Strefezza, Paz, Fadera; Cutrone.
Monza (3-4-2-1):
Turati; Caldirola, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Bianco, Bondo, Kyriakopoulos; Maldini, Mota; Djuric.
Prediction: Como 1-0 Monza
This fight at the bottom of Serie A will be tight and tense, with neither side having shown much firepower; one goal might prove to be enough to decide the match. With the home crowd backing them, Como might just pip their local rivals for a narrow victory.
