January 13, 2025. 9:45 p.m. Monza. U-Power Stadium
Serie A, Matchday 20
Injured: Kiryakopoulos, Pessina, Gagliardini, Cragno – Cataldi, Bove
Suspension : D’Ambrosio (Monza)
Monza vs Fiorentina: Cotes de Paris
Monza
The dismissal of Alessandro Nesta and the appointment of Salvatore Bocchetti as Monza coach did not allow the club to emerge from a difficult period. By concluding the year 2024 with a painful 1-2 defeat against Parma, Monza suffered a new setback on the last day by losing to another rival for relegation, Cagliari (1-2). Although Bocchetti’s men took the lead thanks to a penalty converted by Gianluca Caprari, Monza were unable to maintain their advantage. The situation was made worse by the expulsion of Danilo D’Ambrosio.
Given their exit from the Coppa Italia in early December, Monza have lost their last six matches. History suggests they are already doomed; Over the past 20 years, only two of the 13 teams that had 10 points or less at mid-season have managed to survive – Crotone in 2017 and Cagliari in 2008.
Managing Director Adriano Galliani has said that players who do not believe in their survival can leave the club – no one will be held back. Bocchetti echoed that sentiment ahead of the Fiorentina game: “I agree with the club. Those who don’t believe in that have the right not to be part of this project. The guys have shown positive signs during training I expect a great response from them,” said the coach. He also highlighted that Pablo Mari is still a Monza player, despite the interest of Fiorentina, who intend to acquire him after the direct clash.
“I am good friends with Raffaele Palladino; we shared many moments and a room when we played for Genoa. I wish him the best as coach, starting the day after the match against us,” added Bocchetti.
Fiorentina
After a run of eight consecutive victories in the elite of Italian football, Fiorentina have lost three of their last four Serie A matches (including a draw) and conceded eight goals. On Matchday 19, the Viola suffered a 0-3 defeat against title contenders Napoli in Florence, marking two consecutive home defeats at the Stadio Franchi for the first time since late 2023.
Now Fiorentina moves to Monza, where Palladino started his coaching career. He managed the Brianzoli in 70 Serie A matches, keeping the team afloat in the top flight on two occasions before impressive performances attracted the attention of higher clubs. Now he returns to a stage filled with happy memories, hoping to collect maximum points and plunge his old club into turmoil.
The problems plaguing Fiorentina are often linked to the poor form of former Monza midfielder Colpani, who is struggling to adapt to his new team, as well as injury concerns for Gudmundsson . Well, it looks like the Icelander has more or less recovered. “His ankle is fine. Albert experienced some discomfort which intensified a few days before the match against Napoli. Now he is fine: he has been following a specific plan for a few months. We now want to bring him back, give him the most of playing time and possible training. He has to increase the training intensity. Will he play on Monday?
Monza vs Fiorentina: Predicted Lineups
Monza vs Fiorentina: Author’s Prediction
The crisis at Fiorentina has specific explanations linked to the squad situation. Monza, on the other hand, is not strong enough. And it seems Galliani has only made matters worse by sacking Alessandro Nesta and replacing him with Salvatore Bocchetti. The match against the 20th ranked team in Serie A is the perfect opportunity for the Viola to end their winless streak.
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