Monza Vs Empoli

As Serie A approaches its dramatic conclusion, Empoli, currently sitting second from the bottom, face a crucial trip to already-relegated Monza in what could be a defining moment in their battle to avoid the drop. The stakes could not be higher for the Azzurri Empolesi, who know that a victory in this penultimate match of the season might lift them out of the relegation zone—provided other results go their way. Conversely, failure to secure three points could leave them staring at the grim reality of Serie B football next season. The U-Power Stadium will be the stage for this high-pressure encounter, where Empoli will be fighting not just for pride but for their top-flight survival.  

Monza, despite their relegation, enter this fixture with a renewed sense of confidence after finally snapping a dismal 15-game winless streak in Serie A with a morale-boosting victory over Udinese in their last outing. Before that, their only league win in 2024 had come back in January against Fiorentina, a result that now feels like a distant memory given the struggles that followed. That barren run included a staggering 13 consecutive defeats, with Monza failing to even score in five of those losses. Their attacking woes have been a persistent issue, making their two-goal performance against Udinese—only the third time they’ve managed that this year—a rare bright spot in an otherwise forgettable campaign.  

Now, under the guidance of coach Alessandro Nesta, Monza will be looking to build on that momentum and secure back-to-back league victories for the first time since March 2024, when they strung together wins against Genoa and Cagliari. However, their recent record against Empoli presents a significant challenge. The Biancorossi have failed to score in their last two meetings with the Tuscan side, though it’s worth noting that both of those matches were played at Empoli’s home ground. The previous two encounters in Lombardy, however, ended in Monza victories, offering a glimmer of hope for the hosts. With relegation already confirmed, Monza can play without pressure, but they will still be eager to finish the season on a high and potentially dent Empoli’s survival hopes in the process.  

For Empoli, this match represents one of their final opportunities to claw their way out of the relegation scrap. Like Monza, they too come into this fixture on the back of ending a long winless streak—a 2-1 victory over Parma in their previous outing halted a dismal 20-game run without a win in Serie A. Their last triumph before that had come all the way back in December against Hellas Verona, highlighting just how desperate their situation has become. Roberto D’Aversa’s side have struggled immensely on the road, with their last away victory dating back to last year. Securing three points at Monza would not only mark their first away win of 2025 but could also provide a massive psychological boost heading into the final matchday.  

The relegation battle is incredibly tight, with Empoli currently level on points with 18th-placed Lecce and just one point behind Venezia, who occupy 17th place—the last safe spot. With Lecce set to host Torino and Venezia traveling to face Cagliari, both of whom are positioned higher in the table, Empoli’s fate could swing dramatically depending on how those matches unfold. A win for D’Aversa’s men, combined with slip-ups from their rivals, could see them leapfrog out of the bottom three at the most critical stage of the season. However, should they fail to capitalize, they risk falling further behind, leaving themselves with an even steeper mountain to climb on the final day.  

The psychological aspect of this match cannot be understated. Empoli’s players will be acutely aware that securing back-to-back wins for the first time in two years—since their victories over Bologna and Salernitana in May 2023—could be the difference between survival and relegation. The pressure will be immense, but if they can channel the momentum from their recent win over Parma, they may just find the resilience needed to pull off a crucial result. On the other hand, Monza, playing with the freedom of a team already condemned to the drop, could prove to be dangerous opponents, particularly if they replicate the attacking intent shown against Udinese.  

As the Serie A season hurtles toward its climax, this clash between Monza and Empoli encapsulates the drama, tension, and unpredictability that make football so compelling. For Empoli, it’s a must-win encounter that could define their season. For Monza, it’s a chance to play without fear and potentially play the role of spoiler. The stage is set for a gripping contest, one that could have far-reaching consequences in the battle for Serie A survival.