Inter Milan will have three points on their mind when they travel to take on Monza this Sunday.
AC Monza and Inter Milan face off this Sunday in what promises to be an intriguing Lombardy derby. Inter Milan, defending Serie A champions, come into the fixture after a strong start to the 2024/25 season, while Monza are still searching for their first win of the campaign.
Inter Milan have hit the ground running in their title defence, showing an impressive mix of offensive firepower and defensive solidity. After an opening-day draw against Genoa, they quickly bounced back with back-to-back wins. Their most recent outing before the international break saw them comfortably dispatch Atalanta 4-0 at San Siro. In that game, Marcus Thuram shone, scoring a second-half brace, helping the Nerazzurri claim an emphatic victory.
Their consistent performances against top Serie A rivals have made them a team to beat, and they will be eager to continue that run at U-Power Stadium. Inter’s away form had been pivotal in last season’s title run, though they have only managed one win in their last four away outings. With a tricky few weeks ahead. including a Champions League opener against Manchester City and the Milan Derby. Simone Inzaghi will aim to ensure his team stays focused and maintains their winning momentum in the league.
On the other side, Monza enter this contest under pressure. Without a win in their last 12 Serie A matches, they are desperately searching for their first victory of the season. While they showed flashes of promise in their recent match against Fiorentina, taking a 2-0 lead, they eventually let it slip, conceding a 96th-minute equaliser and drawing 2-2. That result added to their poor run, leaving new coach Alessandro Nesta with a major task to stop the slide.
Monza’s biggest problem has been finding the back of the net, having failed to score in half of their last 12 fixtures. Veteran striker Milan Djuric remains their key player up front. But with a lack of offensive support, the Biancorossi are facing significant challenges on both ends.
This Lombardy clash will test Monza’s mettle. But given their record against teams from the region — losing six of their last seven derby matches — Inter will fancy their chances of walking away with all three points. The Hard Tackle explores the possible lineups and strategies for this much-awaited match.
Team News & Tactics
AC Monza
In Monza’s probable 3-4-2-1 formation, Stefano Turati will stand between the posts as the goalkeeper. He will be protected by a three-man defense consisting of Armando Izzo, Pablo Mari, and Franco Carboni, forming a solid backline.
In midfield, Pedro Pereira and Giorgos Kyriakopoulos will occupy the wing-back roles, providing width and pushing forward in attack when possible. Warren Bondo and captain Matteo Pessina will hold down the central midfield positions, tasked with controlling the tempo of the game and breaking up Inter’s play.
Further forward, Daniel Maldini and Gianluca Caprari will support the attack from slightly deeper positions, operating as attacking midfielders behind the lone striker. Leading the line, Andrea Petagna will look to provide a focal point up front and challenge Inter’s defence.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Turati; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Pereira, Bondo, Pessina, Kyriakopoulos; Maldini, Caprari; Petagna
Inter Milan
In Inter Milan’s probable 3-5-2 formation, Yann Sommer will take his place in goal, with a back three of Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Carlos Augusto tasked with keeping Monza’s attack at bay.
The wing-back roles will be filled by Matteo Darmian on the right and Federico Dimarco on the left, both offering width and supporting both defense and attack. In midfield, Nicolo Barella, back from sinus surgery, will partner with Hakan Calhanoglu and Davide Frattesi. The trio will control the middle of the park, with Calhanoglu possibly taking a more advanced role in playmaking.
Leading the line in attack, Marcus Thuram, fresh off a prolific start to the season, will partner with Mehdi Taremi. This duo will be tasked with creating and finishing chances, with Thuram looking to extend his impressive goal-scoring form. Lautaro Martinez is likely to be rested given his transatlantic flight.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi, Augusto; Darmian, Barella, Calhanoglu, Frattesi, Dimarco; Thuram, Taremi
Key Stats
- Monza have lost their last two Serie A matches against Inter Milan, following a draw and a win in their first two encounters in the competition.
- Inter Milan are unbeaten at the U-Power Stadium in Serie A against Monza, with one win and one draw. In the two matches played at this stadium, a total of 10 goals have been scored, an average of five per game, with neither team keeping a clean sheet.
- Monza have lost six of their last seven Serie A games against opponents from the Lombardy region. The only exception was a win against AC Milan in February, during which time Monza have conceded an average of 3.1 goals per game.
- Inter Milan have won only one of their last four away league games, following a streak of seven consecutive away wins. The two most recent away games ended in draws, and the last time Inter recorded more consecutive away draws in Serie A was in 2022 (four matches).
- Monza are without a win in their last 12 Serie A games (five draws, seven losses), the longest ongoing winless run of any team currently in the division. During this streak, they have failed to score in six of those games.
Player to Watch
Marcus Thuram
Marcus Thuram has had an electric start to the 2024/25 Serie A season, making a strong impact on Inter Milan’s attack. With four goals in his first three league appearances, Thuram has quickly become one of the key players for Simone Inzaghi’s side. His ability to break defensive lines, combined with his clinical finishing, has made him a constant threat to opposition defences.
In the potential absence of Lautaro Martinez, who could be rested after international duty, Thuram will be expected to lead the line and continue his prolific form. His pace, strength, and skill in holding up the ball allow him to create opportunities for himself and his teammates, making him a vital component of Inter’s offensive play. Monza’s defence, which has struggled in recent weeks, will have to be at its best to contain the in-form Frenchman.
Prediction
AC Monza 1-3 Inter Milan
Inter Milan’s firepower, led by the in-form Marcus Thuram, will likely prove too much for Monza, who have struggled to secure a win in their last 12 Serie A matches. With Inter coming off an impressive performance against Atalanta, they should have enough momentum to control the game, even if rotation occurs ahead of their crucial Champions League fixture.
Monza’s defensive frailties, especially against top-tier Lombardian opposition, could leave them vulnerable, and although they might find the back of the net once, it’s unlikely to prevent a comfortable win for the reigning champions. Inter’s superior quality in midfield and attack should see them take all three points from this Lombardy derby.