Despite Monza and Venezia being separated by four spots in the Opta Serie A standings, the hosts approach Sunday’s match at U-Power Stadium with greater enthusiasm.
Monza recently secured their first victory of the 2024-25 season with a 3-0 win over Hellas Verona on Monday, and they aim to push another promoted side into the relegation zone with a fourth consecutive loss.
Alessandro Nesta celebrated his inaugural Serie A win since taking over from Raffaele Palladino this summer. After struggling to find victory in the first eight matches of the campaign, Nesta finally saw results align in his favor.
In the first seven rounds, the former defender couldn’t lead Biancorossi to a win, but Monza’s efforts and determination seemed ripe for a change in fortune. The Lombardy club had previously drawn 2-2 with two-time Conference League runners-up Fiorentina, played to a 1-1 stalemate with Champions Inter Milan, and faced narrow losses to Bologna (2-1) and Roma (1-1) during the opening weeks.
Their fighting spirit has paid off, and they head into Sunday’s clash on a two-match unbeaten streak, having collected four points in that span.
On the other hand, Venezia, sitting in 16th place, can be viewed as the favored team to earn crucial points. However, they may feel the weight of expectation, given the teams' early-season performances.
Returning to the top flight after a two-season absence, the promoted side has struggled, registering six losses in eight matches. Since Eusebio Di Francesco took over following Paolo Vanoli’s departure to Torino in the summer, they have secured just one league win—a 2-0 victory against Genoa in September.
Venezia's failure to score has been a significant hurdle this season, with only five goals in eight matches—fewer than all but second-bottom Lecce (who have three).
Despite managing a goalless draw against Fiorentina in late August, Venezia has faced defeats against Torino (1-0), AC Milan (4-0), and most recently, Atalanta (2-0), contributing to a troubling run as they prepare for their trip to Monza.
Looking to break a three-match losing streak against a confident opponent, Venezia's struggles are evident ahead of gameweek nine.
Monza's 3-0 victory over Verona remains their sole league win this season, and they have drawn two of their four home games against 10th-place Roma and 2nd-place Inter Milan.
Only two teams, including Venezia, have scored fewer home goals, making it challenging for them to find the net. However, following their first three points of the season, Monza will likely feel a boost in confidence.
Venezia managed to earn their only away point of the season at Fiorentina. Despite narrow defeats to Roma (1-2) and Lazio (1-3), they were able to find the back of the net during both trips to Rome.