Serie A | Gameweek 31

Apr 5, 2025 at 2pm UK

U-Power Stadium

Monza vs Como

Match preview

Despite staying on level terms until the second half of last week's game in Cagliari, Serie B-bound Monza ultimately shipped three goals after the break and suffered a 19th league defeat of the season.

Ten points from safety with eight rounds to go, the Biancorossi have little hope of extending their first visit to the top flight beyond this third season.

Alessandro Nesta's return to the dugout, following his sacking and subsequent reappointment, has brought no improvement as his side have picked up just two points from a possible 18 since the departure of former boss Salvatore Bocchetti.

In fact, Monza have scored just once in their last four home games - an Armando Izzo strike against Parma - and their last win dates back to January.

After an away draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season, the Brianzoli now host local rivals Como, who have only lost once in the last 10 league meetings between the two sides.

Since a 1-1 draw with Monza in November, Como have lost their last four derbies in Lombardy - although they were never expected to be a match for the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan or Atalanta BC.

However, a busy winter in the transfer market has helped the ambitious club to steer clear of danger, with eight points from their last six games.

Last week's draw with struggling Empoli promised much more, but Cesc Fabregas saw his side surrender a one-goal lead on their home turf to concede a share of the spoils.

However, with seven of their final eight games against bottom-half opposition - not counting the season finale at home to Inter - the Lariani are in control of their own destiny.

Although they are now seven points clear of the relegation zone, Como have won just one of their last 11 away games, suffering seven defeats and keeping just one clean sheet.

Such poor away form could prove costly, and they will be hoping to put an end to that trend when they make the short trip to Monza on Saturday.

Recent Performance

Monza Serie A form:DLLLDL

Como Serie A form:WWLDLD

Team News

Despite his side's recent struggles, coach Alessandro Nesta is set to stick with most of the same XI that started last week's 3-0 defeat to Cagliari.

Likely to partner Keita Balde up front, Portuguese striker Dany Mota will be hoping to end his long goal drought: after scoring in each of his first four Serie A starts this season, he has failed to find the net since.

Monza's long injury list has started to shrink, but they are still without club captain Matteo Pessina, who was recently ruled out for the rest of the season, as well as Andrea Carboni, Luca Caldirola and Stefano Sensi.

Meanwhile, Como could welcome back star man Nico Paz, who has excelled since joining on loan from Real Madrid but was suspended last week, as well as Dele Alli, who is back after serving a ban for his reckless red card against Milan.

The welcome return of Paz could see top scorer Patrick Cutrone drop back to the bench, despite having his second-most prolific season in Serie A with nine goals so far.

Centre-back Alberto Dossena, who suffered a serious knee injury at the end of last month, is the only confirmed absentee for the Lariani.

Possible starting lineup

Monza possible starting lineup:

Turati; Pereira, Izzo, D'Ambrosio; Birindelli, Castrovilli, Bianco, Akpa Akpro, Kyriakopoulos; Mota, Balde

Como possible starting lineup:

Butez; Vojvoda, Goldaniga, Kempf, Valle; Perrone, Da Cunha; Strefezza, Paz, Diao; Douvikas