Claudio Ranieri’s Roma aiming for 10th straight Serie A match without a loss against Monza

Monza will travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night to bring the curtain down on the weekend’s Serie A action, facing a formidable challenge against a resurgent Roma side. The Biancorossi, struggling at the bottom of the table, face an uphill battle to salvage their season and avoid an immediate return to Serie B. With just seven points separating them from safety, the outlook is bleak, and every remaining fixture carries enormous significance for their survival hopes.

The campaign has been a difficult one for Monza, who have found it hard to secure results. A lack of cutting edge in the final third and a vulnerability in crucial moments have left them rooted to the bottom of the standings. Their struggles in front of goal have been particularly evident, with only 21 goals scored all season, making them the second-worst attacking side in the league. Only Lecce have fared worse, managing just 18 goals. Despite their attacking frailties, Monza’s defensive record is not the worst in the league, as they have conceded 39 goals, a figure that, while troubling, is not the most alarming among their relegation rivals.

Roma, on the other hand, are a team on the rise under the steady guidance of veteran coach Claudio Ranieri. The experienced tactician returned to the club midseason following the dismissals of Daniele De Rossi and Ivan Juric, and his impact has been immediately felt. The Giallorossi have shown considerable improvement in recent weeks, rediscovering their defensive solidity and attacking flair. Though their hopes of finishing in the top five remain slim due to a poor first half of the season, optimism persists among the Roma faithful that they can still secure a respectable finish.

Currently sitting ninth in the table, Roma are nine points adrift of the top five, making qualification for European competition an uphill task. However, their recent form suggests that they are more than capable of putting together a strong run in the final stretch of the campaign. Their recent results have been encouraging, with two consecutive 1-0 victories in the league, demonstrating their newfound defensive resilience and ability to grind out wins. Those victories extended their unbeaten streak in Serie A to nine matches, underlining the progress made under Ranieri’s stewardship.

In addition to their domestic resurgence, Roma have also been making strides on the European stage. The Giallorossi were in action on Thursday night in the Europa League, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over FC Porto in the second leg of their last-16 playoff. The aggregate scoreline of 4-3 saw them progress to the round of 16, maintaining their aspirations for European silverware. Their performance against Porto showcased their attacking capabilities, with Paulo Dybala delivering a masterclass by scoring twice, reminding fans of his quality on the big stage. Such a victory will surely boost Roma’s confidence heading into their upcoming league fixtures, as they look to carry their European momentum into domestic competition.

Monza, in stark contrast, have endured a miserable run of form in recent weeks. They have failed to win any of their last five league matches, managing to collect just one point during this dismal stretch. Their lack of firepower in front of goal has been a glaring issue, with the team managing to score only two goals across those five games. Their only point came in a goalless stalemate with Lecce, highlighting their struggles to create and convert chances. If Monza are to have any hope of avoiding relegation, they must find a way to rectify their attacking deficiencies and start picking up results before it is too late.

The previous meeting between these two sides took place before Ranieri’s return to the Roma dugout. That match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both goals coming in the second half. Artem Dovbyk put Roma ahead in the 61st minute, but Monza responded swiftly, as Dany Mota equalized just nine minutes later. Despite Monza’s spirited display on that occasion, their overall record against Roma does not inspire confidence. The Giallorossi have never lost to Monza, boasting a record of three wins and two draws in their five encounters since 2022. Across those meetings, Roma have outscored Monza 10-3, underscoring the disparity in quality between the two sides.

Discipline has been a talking point in these encounters, with two red cards issued in the five previous clashes between the teams. Given Monza’s desperation to pick up points and Roma’s push to climb the table, Monday’s encounter could see tensions run high, with both sides fighting for their respective objectives.

Artem Dovbyk has been Roma’s primary goal threat this season, leading the team’s scoring charts with eight goals. His contributions have been invaluable, providing Roma with a reliable focal point in attack. However, the team’s fortunes have also been significantly boosted by the form of Paulo Dybala. The Argentine playmaker has found the net six times this season and was particularly influential in Roma’s recent Europa League triumph over Porto. His ability to change the course of a game with moments of brilliance makes him a key player for Roma, and Monza’s defenders will have their work cut out trying to contain him.

As the two sides prepare to face off at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma will be looking to continue their unbeaten run and maintain their upward trajectory under Ranieri. The Giallorossi’s improved organization, tactical discipline, and attacking threat give them a clear advantage heading into the fixture. For Monza, the objective will be to defy the odds and secure a much-needed positive result, but their recent performances suggest that they will struggle against a Roma side brimming with confidence.

The match presents Roma with an opportunity to edge closer to the European spots, while for Monza, it is another must-win game in their desperate bid to avoid the drop. The contrast in form and confidence between the two teams is stark, but football is unpredictable, and Monza will hope to spring a surprise. However, given Roma’s recent displays and the momentum they have built, the home side will be strong favorites to claim all three points and extend their dominance over their struggling opponents.