Roma Vs Monza

Roma, rejuvenated and full of confidence, will look to extend their unbeaten run in Serie A as they host Monza at Stadio Olimpico on Monday. With a streak of nine consecutive league games without defeat, the Giallorossi have also successfully advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League. In contrast, their visitors, Monza, find themselves struggling at the bottom of the table and at risk of being left behind in the relegation battle.

Roma’s European journey continued on Thursday when they faced Porto in the second leg of their knockout round playoff. Having held the Portuguese side to a draw in the first leg, Roma entered the return fixture with high stakes. Historically, they had never overcome Porto in UEFA competition, having lost all three previous encounters. However, Paulo Dybala proved to be the difference-maker, delivering a stunning brace that helped secure a thrilling 3-2 victory on the night and a narrow 4-3 aggregate triumph. This crucial win not only ended their European hoodoo against Porto but also ensured their place in the next phase of the tournament. Fortunately, they managed to avoid their fierce city rivals Lazio in the last-16 draw and will instead prepare for a challenging tie against Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao. Before they turn their focus to that continental clash, Roma must first navigate two important league fixtures against Como and Monza.

The return of Claudio Ranieri has significantly revitalized Roma’s domestic campaign. Under his guidance, the team has rediscovered their form, evidenced by their recent 1-0 win over Parma. This victory contributed to a remarkable tally of 21 points from their last nine league games—a record unmatched by any other team in Serie A over the same period. While they remain in ninth place, a consequence of their sluggish start to the season, they have built momentum at a crucial stage. Roma have not only won their last two league matches but have done so with defensive solidity, keeping consecutive clean sheets. Impressively, they have conceded the fewest goals in Serie A this calendar year, shipping just five in total.

Their home form has been particularly impressive. Prior to their 1-1 draw against Napoli—secured dramatically with Angelino’s last-second equalizer—Roma had enjoyed four consecutive league wins at Stadio Olimpico. The Giallorossi will now aim to continue their excellent home streak against Monza, a team they have historically dominated in Serie A meetings. 

Monza, on the other hand, arrive in Rome in a state of turmoil. Their campaign has been marred by instability, with frequent managerial changes contributing to their struggles. Earlier in the season, they managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Roma in the reverse fixture, courtesy of a goal from Dany Mota. However, they have yet to claim a Serie A victory over the capital club, having failed in all five of their previous attempts.

Recent weeks have been particularly troubling for Monza. The club recently dismissed Salvatore Bocchetti after a disastrous run in which he lost six of his seven games in charge. In a desperate bid to salvage their season, Monza reappointed Alessandro Nesta, the former Italy defender who had previously been dismissed after securing just one win in 17 matches. Unfortunately, his return to the helm did not bring about an immediate turnaround. Monza’s struggles continued as they were held to a goalless draw by fellow relegation battlers Lecce, a result that underscored their persistent scoring problems. The Biancorossi have now failed to find the net in three of their last four outings, highlighting their lack of attacking firepower.

Their away form paints an equally bleak picture. Monza have lost their last five league matches on the road, conceding at least two goals in each of those fixtures. Their defensive frailties have been particularly evident in these away games, and they will need a drastic improvement if they hope to contain a resurgent Roma side. Adding to their woes, Monza suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat at Stadio Olimpico earlier in the season against Lazio, exposing their vulnerability in high-pressure environments.

With just 13 games remaining in the season, Monza find themselves nine points adrift of safety. Time is running out for them to mount a credible survival bid, and every fixture is now a must-win. The odds are firmly stacked against them, and their recent performances provide little optimism. However, football is unpredictable, and desperate teams can sometimes pull off unexpected results.

As Roma and Monza prepare to clash, the home side will be eager to maintain their upward trajectory. The Giallorossi have momentum on their side, and with their sights set on European success, they will be determined not to falter in the league. Meanwhile, Monza face an uphill battle to salvage their season and avoid what seems like an inevitable relegation. Monday’s encounter at Stadio Olimpico will be a crucial test for both sides, each fighting for their own ambitions in contrasting positions in the league table.