AC MILAN v MONZA: MATCH PREVIEW

The Rossoneri return in front of their own fans to host Monza in a Lombardy Derby. AC Milan want to extend their positive run in Serie A after their away win against Hellas Verona last weekend, while the Biancorossi want to impress again. It will be a historic and intriguing match - kick-off at 18:00 CEST - which we present with our Match Preview.

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
The Rossoneri are fresh off three consecutive league victories and have shown no sign of stopping. AC Milan's aim is to overcome the Monza challenge and have the best possible approach to the match against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League. Pioli has looked into strategies to exploit the weaknesses of Palladino's line-up and rest those who have played almost all the games so far. Maignan is still unavailable, ahead of Tătărușanu one of Dest or Kjær could return back into the starting eleven, with Tomori and Hernández confirmed. In the 4-2-3-1 formation, there should be space for Pobega from the 1st minute. The main news in attack is a probable start for Rebić and Origi, as well as return for Messias.

"It will be a difficult match for us, I must congratulate Palladino for the work he has managed to do and the identity he has given the team". - the words of Coach Pioli in the press conference on the eve of the match - "Monza defend well, aggressively, and dribble just as well, they have legs and quality up front, and they have only conceded one goal since the new coach came in".

LATEST FROM MONZA
Nine points in the last four games in Serie A is the recent form of Palladino's Brianzoli, as well as midweek success against Udinese in the Coppa Italia. Monza are in exciting form from the point of view of results, and the turning point came with the installation of the new coach in the dugout. The coach, originally from Naples, rested several starters in the Coppa Italia, who will all be available for the challenge against the Rossoneri except the disqualified Rovella and the injured Izzo. Monza's 3-4-2-1 relies on the security of Pablo Marí and Marlon in defence, with one of Donati and Caldirola alongside them. Ciurria and Carlos Augusto are favourites on the wings, with Sensi and Barberis in the middle of the field. Pessina-Caprari is the probable duo behind Gytkjær, in a battle with Mota Carvalho and Petagna.

"In the most complicated matches Monza excel". - Raffaele Palladino's comment on the eve of the match - "It will be very hard but at the same time we will play in a full stadium and in a fantastic atmosphere. It's one of those nights when you have to go even harder and give something more".

LATEST FROM SERIE A
Livio Marinelli will referee AC Milan v Monza. The official from Tivoli will lead his 29th match in the top-flight Italian league, the third involving AC Milan. He has two previous meetings with the Rossoneri: AC Milan 0-0 Bologna in April 2022 and the first day of the current league season, AC Milan 4-2 Udinese. He will be accompanied by assistants Zingarelli and Palermo, along with fourth official Prontera. The VAR will be assisted by Mondin.

Matchday 11 of Serie A opened with Juventus 4-0 Empoli on Friday. On Saturday, in addition to the Rossoneri challenge, Salernitana v Spezia will be at 15:00 CEST and Fiorentina v Inter at 20:45 CEST. On Sunday, Udinese v Torino will kick off at 12.30 CEST, Bologna v Lecce at 15.00 CEST, Atalanta v Lazio at 18.00 CEST and Roma v Napoli at 20.45 CEST. There are two Monday matches: Cremonese v Sampdoria at 18.30 CEST and Sassuolo v Hellas Verona at 20.45 CEST.

This is the Serie A table: Napoli 26; Atalanta 24; AC Milan 23; Roma 22; Lazio, Udinese 21; Juventus* 19; Inter 18; Sassuolo 12; Torino, Empoli* 11; Salernitana, Fiorentina, Monza 10; Spezia 9; Lecce 8; Bologna 7; Hellas Verona 5; Cremonese 4; Sampdoria 3. (* = game in hand)

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