Monza vs Genoa

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As the Serie A season continues to gain momentum, Monza and Genoa are set to clash at the U-Power Stadium on August 24, 2024, at 7:45 pm UK time. Both teams enter this matchup with a point to prove after securing draws on the opening weekend. Monza, under the guidance of new manager Alessandro Nesta, and Genoa, led by Alberto Gilardino, will look to secure their first win of the season in what promises to be an intriguing contest.

Match Preview: Monza's Challenge Under Nesta

Monza's goalless draw against Empoli last weekend marked Alessandro Nesta's debut as a Serie A manager. Nesta, a World Cup winner, took over from Raffaele Palladino, who moved to Fiorentina during the offseason. Despite the managerial change, Monza's struggles in front of goal have persisted. The team has now failed to score in four consecutive matches, including a recent Coppa Italia win on penalties against Sudtirol.

Semuel Pizzignacco, Monza's new first-choice goalkeeper following Michele Di Gregorio's move to Juventus, played a crucial role in securing the draw against Empoli. However, the Biancorossi's inability to find the back of the net is a growing concern. Monza has lost four of their last six home fixtures, a worrying trend that Nesta will be keen to reverse.

Genoa's Resurgence Under Gilardino

Genoa, on the other hand, showed tremendous spirit in their 2-2 draw against reigning champions Inter Milan. Alberto Gilardino, a former teammate of Nesta at AC Milan, has revitalized Genoa since taking over as head coach. The Grifone managed to secure mid-table safety last season and have started the new campaign with confidence.

Genoa stunned Inter by taking the lead through Alessandro Vogliacco, and even after conceding two goals to Marcus Thuram, they fought back to earn a valuable point. Junior Messias, a former AC Milan winger, played a pivotal role in Genoa's comeback, scoring a late equalizer from the penalty spot.

Genoa's attacking options have been reshuffled following the departures of Albert Gudmundsson and Mateo Retegui. Messias has been deployed as a stand-in striker and has already made an impact, scoring in both the Coppa Italia and the Serie A opener. The arrival of Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo adds further firepower to Genoa's attack, although he has yet to score against Monza in Serie A.

Team News: Monza's Injuries and Genoa's New Signings

Monza will be without goalkeeper Alessio Cragno, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and is not expected to return until October. Midfielder Jose Machin is also sidelined with a knee injury. However, Roberto Gagliardini, who has a strong record against Genoa, is fit and available for selection. Milan Djuric, who has been struggling with a rib injury, is a doubt, meaning Andrea Petagna could lead the line for Monza.

Genoa, meanwhile, will be without forward Caleb Ekuban due to a calf injury. Alberto Gilardino is likely to start Andrea Pinamonti up front, with Junior Messias providing support. Pinamonti will be eager to break his duck against Monza, having failed to score in three previous encounters.

Predicted Lineups

Monza (3-4-2-1):

• Goalkeeper: Pizzignacco
• Defenders: Izzo, Mari, Carboni
• Midfielders: Birindelli, Bondo, Pessina, Kyriakopoulos
• Forwards: Maldini, Mota
• Striker: Petagna

Genoa (3-5-2):

• Goalkeeper: Gollini
• Defenders: De Winter, Bani, Vogliacco
• Midfielders: Zanoli, Frendrup, Badelj, Malinovskyi, Martin
• Forwards: Messias, Pinamonti

Head-to-Head and Recent Form

Monza and Genoa have a long history of encounters, particularly in Serie B, where Genoa dominated with only three losses in 40 matches against Monza. However, in their recent Serie A meetings, Monza has had the upper hand, winning both encounters during Genoa's relegation season in 2022-23.

Monza's recent form has been mixed, with a penalty shootout win in the Coppa Italia against Sudtirol and a draw against Empoli in the league. Their pre-season included a 3-1 loss to Milan and a 2-2 draw with Sassuolo, highlighting their ongoing defensive frailties.

Genoa, on the other hand, has shown resilience in their matches, including a 2-2 draw against Inter Milan and a 1-0 win over Reggiana in the Coppa Italia. They also secured pre-season victories over AS Monaco and Mantova, demonstrating their attacking potential.

Prediction: Monza 1-2 Genoa

Monza's scoring drought is likely to end, but Genoa's impressive performance against Inter Milan suggests they will be tough to beat. Genoa's new signings, coupled with their attacking prowess, could be the difference in this matchup. A narrow 2-1 victory for Genoa seems the most likely outcome, extending Monza's wait for a league win.

Key Stats and Head-to-Head

• Last 5 Matches (Monza): D, L, W, D, L
• Last 5 Matches (Genoa): D, W, L, W, W
• Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches): Monza 2 Wins, Genoa 1 Win, 2 Draws

Monza's recent struggles, particularly at home, contrast with Genoa's revival under Gilardino. While Monza has had the upper hand in recent Serie A encounters, Genoa's current form gives them the edge in this fixture.

As both teams seek their first win of the season, this clash at the U-Power Stadium promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair. Monza will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage, but Genoa's attacking threat could prove too much for the Biancorossi to handle.