Lazio vs Monza – News and Probable Lineups

Lazio is looking to secure their fifth win out of six league games as they host struggling Serie A side Monza in Rome this Sunday afternoon.

Despite the hosts enjoying an unbeaten streak, Monza managed to grab a win just before the international break.

Match overview

After being eliminated from the Coppa Italia on the debut of head coach Gennaro Gattuso against Mantova, Lazio has bounced back with a series of commendable league performances, positioning themselves in the race for the top of the table.

They began their run by overcoming Bologna, followed by narrow victories against Genoa and Udinese. However, they let a two-goal advantage slip, drawing 2-2 at home against AC Milan.

Shortly before the break, Gattuso’s men showcased their attacking prowess by scoring twice in the second half to win against Venezia, which placed them on par with reigning champions Inter de Milão and rivals Roma, all accumulating 13 points.

A robust defensive strategy has underpinned Lazio’s strong start, as they have recorded three clean sheets in five matches, with only Cagliari conceding fewer goals.

As the Biancocelesti head into this fixture, they aim to set a new club record by achieving five victories in their initial six top-flight matches, a milestone that the capital side has never previously reached.

Historically, the odds favor Lazio, as Monza has yet to conquer them in any Serie A match, having lost four of the six encounters played so far.

In fact, their most recent encounter at Stadio Olimpico saw Monza suffer a heavy defeat, losing 5-1 shortly before their relegation from Italy’s top division.

Monza responded emphatically by winning the Serie B playoffs last season, but aside from two cup victories, they have struggled to maintain that successful momentum.

Following the appointment of Ivan Juric as their new head coach, the Brianzoli conceded numerous goals and only managed to earn one point from their opening four fixtures, which has relegated them to the bottom three.

Thus, Juric likely exhaled in relief when his team triumphed over Sassuolo last time out, with summer acquisition Gustavo Varela netting his third and fourth goals in Serie A.

Team News

During the international break, Lazio participated in some low-key friendlies against Arezzo and Juve Stabia, but Gattuso is expected to field a familiar starting lineup this weekend.

Although Albert Gudmundsson returned from national duty with a dislocated shoulder, the remaining international players are likely available for selection.

This includes Davide Frattesi, who has scored three times for his new side and has impressed for Italy in the UEFA Nations League, and Croatian defender Josip Sutalo.

Matteo Cancellieri might return to the bench after resuming full training, but Adam Marusic is anticipated to join Gudmundsson, Danilo Cataldi, and Nicolo Rovella on the sidelines due to injuries.

While Andrea Pinamonti and Tijjani Noslin will likely compete for a spot in Lazio’s attack, Varela is expected to spearhead Monza’s forward line. He missed one match due to injury but has already netted four goals, making him crucial for the visitors.

Monza is still without their injured captain Matteo Pessina and Roma loanee Jan Ziolkowski, but wing-backs Idrissa Toure and Patrick Ciurria are nearing their return.

Lazio probable starting XI:

Mandas; Floriani Mussolini, Sutalo, Proxgaard, Tavares; Frattesi, Belahyane, Taylor; Isaksen, Noslin, Zaccagni

Monza probable starting XI:

Tornqvist; Kouadio, Lucchesi, Carboni; Birindelli, Akinsanmiro, Folorunsho, Mangas; Colpani, Robinson; Varela

Monza has conceded eight goals in three away fixtures since their return to Serie A, raising concerns ahead of their visit to an in-form Lazio.

The home side has shown sharpness under Gattuso, who has a point to prove following previous high-profile failures.