Monza vs Udinese – News and Probable Lineups

After suffering a defeat on their return to Italy’s top tier, Monza are aiming to secure all three points as they welcome Udinese this Saturday night.

Although the reigning Serie A champions convincingly defeated them, their opponents managed to hold Como to a draw.

Match overview

Having bounced back from relegation at the first attempt, Monza will be focused on maintaining their top-flight status this season, although expectations were modest prior to last weekend.

The Biancorossi’s season commenced with arguably the toughest challenge possible – a Lombardy derby against Inter de Milão at the San Siro.

Even though Gustavo Varela’s initial Serie A goal saw them go into the half-time break level, they ultimately faltered in the second half, leading to a 4-1 defeat.

Thus, new head coach Ivan Juric, who previously began with a 3-0 win in the Coppa Italia over Avellino, will be eager to earn his first points as Monza returns to their home ground this week.

Despite facing second-tier competition, they claimed victory in 15 out of 21 matches at U-Power Stadium last season, and outcomes there could prove pivotal in their quest to avoid relegation.

However, since their first appearance in Serie A four seasons ago, Monza has only managed to secure a single point from three home fixtures against Udinese.

With a strong historical advantage, the Fruilani approach this match filled with confidence, having also started the 2026-27 season effectively.

In their competitive return earlier this month, Kosta Runjaic and his team eliminated Padova in the Coppa Italia, paving the way for a regional clash with Venezia next week.

They then got off to a good start against ambitious Como in the Serie A opener; a clever chip from Hassane Kamara gave them the lead, but they had to settle for a draw at home.

Now in his third campaign at the club, Runjaic aims to build on a 10th-place finish from last year, continuing to develop positively.

Their solid away form was crucial, as Udinese achieved eight victories on the road in the 2025-26 season – more than both Atalanta and Lazio.

Team News

Last weekend, Monza were without three midfielders – Leonardo Colombo, Inter loanee Ebeneezer Akinsanmiro, and team captain Matteo Pessina.

Wing-backs Patrick Ciurria and Idrissa Toure are again anticipated to be absent, though Juric has received some positive news.

First-choice goalkeeper Demba Thiam and seasoned striker Dany Mota will return from suspension, while Akinsanmiro is expected to recover from an illness that prevented him from facing his parent club.

After finding the net on his league debut, Varela is set to lead the charge for the home side, while Udinese’s center-forward selection appears less straightforward.

Idrissa Gueye started against Como, but both Vakoun Bayo and last season’s top scorer Keinan Davis are also in the running – assuming Davis overcomes a flexor issue.

Nicolo Zaniolo and Matteo Palma both sustained injuries last week, joining Alessandro Zanoli and Giorgi Chakvetadze on the injury list.

Monza probable starting XI:

Thiam; Kouadio, Delli Carri, Carboni; Birindelli, Ondoa, Mout, Mangas; Colpani, Mota; Varela

Udinese probable starting XI:

Okoye; Abankwah, Solet, Bertola; Vojvoda, Karlstrom, Piotrowski, Kamara; Ekkelenkamp, ​​Gomez; Gueye

While Monza narrowly advanced through the Serie B playoffs last season, Udinese remarkably secured a top 10 finish in Italy.

This disparity in quality may diminish the Biancorossi’s home advantage.