Monza vs Atalanta

Atalanta BC is determined to secure a top-four finish in Serie A as they prepare to face bottom-placed Monza this Sunday. Following a 1-1 draw against Lecce, where Mateo Retegui's penalty salvaged a point, Atalanta remains focused on maintaining their position in the Champions League qualification spots.

Retegui has been a standout performer this season, netting 24 league goals, equaling Pippo Inzaghi's 1996–97 club record. With four matches remaining, he has the opportunity to set a new benchmark. Atalanta's away form has been impressive, winning five of their last six Serie A matches on the road and scoring at an average of 2.8 goals per game. Only Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool have accumulated more away points in Europe's top five leagues this season.

Defensively, Atalanta boasts their best record since 1965, conceding just two goals in their recent away victories. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini's side has amassed 65 points, marking their third-best total at this stage of the season. In their previous five Serie A encounters with Monza, Atalanta has maintained a perfect winning record.

Monza, on the other hand, faces the grim prospect of relegation. After a 2-0 defeat to 10-man Juventus, they are on the brink of confirming their drop from the top flight. With only 15 points from 34 matches, Monza has struggled throughout the season, failing to score in their last three games and potentially facing a sixth consecutive defeat—a first in their Serie A history.

Under the management of Alessandro Nesta, Monza's form has been inconsistent. Despite a brief resurgence, including a win over Verona and a draw against Venezia, they remain 12 points adrift of safety. Their defense has been particularly vulnerable to aerial threats, conceding 18 headed goals—the most in Europe's top five leagues. This weakness could be exploited by Atalanta, who have scored 12 goals from headers, second only to Inter Milan.

As the season nears its conclusion, Atalanta aims to capitalize on Monza's vulnerabilities to solidify their Champions League aspirations, while Monza seeks to salvage pride in their remaining fixtures.