Prediction: Monza vs Inter Milan

Verdict: Inter Milan win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Hoping to extend their buffer at the top of the Serie A table, Inter Milan will travel to the Stadio Brianteo on Saturday night when they meet Monza.

Monza

Starting with the hosts, while Monza might still be dreaming of the chance to book a top-half finish this season, Raffaele Palladino’s side have largely struggled with their consistency. Although the Biancorossi might have opened the New Year with an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Frosinone, that was just the second win that the Lombardy-based outfit have collected from their previous eight Serie A appearances. With that run stemming all the way back to November 5th, Monza have also failed to secure back-to-back domestic victories since the start of October. Hit with a 2-0 defeat when they travelled to the San Siro for their reverse Serie A showdown on August 19th, Saturday’s hosts will face a tough challenge here. Tipped as a major underdog this weekend, it should be highlighted that Monza have registered just a sole win from their last five contests at the Stadio Brianteo.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance since the middle of September, Monza will once again be without ex-Sampdoria striker Gianluca Caprari this weekend. Likewise, 22-year-old defender Andrea Carboni is not expected to feature on Saturday night after sustaining a recent foot injury.

Limping off against Frosinone last week, number-one goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio is seen as a major doubt here. Despite bagging just a pair of Serie A strikes this season, former Juventus starlet Dany Mota will lead Monza’s attack.

Inter Milan

As for the visitors, while Inter Milan might have shockingly watched their Coppa Italia adventure come to an abrupt end at the hands of Bologna last month, Simone Inzaghi’s side are enjoying a real Serie A romp. Opening up the New Year holding a two-point buffer over the chasing pack, the Nerazurri have their sights firmly set on clinching a 20th domestic crown this season. Last seen getting 2024 underway with a 2-1 victory at home Verona, the one-time Lazio boss has seen his squad lose just one of their first 19 top-flight appearances this season. Breezing their way to another Champions League knockout stage ticket, Inter Milan will be smelling the chance to make another statement here. Landing that 2-0 victory when they welcomed Monza to the San Siro back on August 19th, Inzaghi will be calling on a repeat performance on Saturday night.

Team News

Dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and not featuring over the past month, Inter Milan will be unable to call upon former Juventus ace Juan Cuadrado here. However, Inzaghi’s side have reported a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s showdown.

Breaking a string of records this season and already notching 16 Serie A strikes, attacking talisman Lautaro Martinez will spearhead Inzaghi’s charge at the Stadio Brianteo. Bagging the winner against Verona last week, 24-year-old Davide Frattesi could be handed a full recall.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Monza and Inter Milan met for their reverse Serie A showdown on August 19th, the Nerazzurri picked up a 2-0 victory at the San Siro.
• Saturday’s guests have lost just one of their first 19 Serie A appearances this season.
• Monza have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous eight Serie A appearances.
• The Biancorossi have also collected just a single win from any of their last five showdowns at the Stadio Brianteo.
• Argentina international Lautaro Martinez has scored 16 goals in his 18 Serie A appearances this season.

Conclusion

Opening the New Year with a 2-1 victory against Verona and suffering just a single Serie A defeat so far this season, Inter Milan will be relishing a trip to the Stadio Brianteo this weekend. Holding a two-point buffer over the chasing pack, the Nerazzurri will be excited by their most recent showdown against Saturday’s hosts. Landing a 2-0 win when they welcomed Monza to the San Siro for their reverse Serie A meeting on August 19th, we are expecting a similar outcome here.

Verdict: Inter Milan win & Under 4.5 goals

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Olympusbet