Serie A table-toppers Inter Milan are set to host Monza at the iconic San Siro this Saturday, aiming to extend their lead over their closest rivals. After narrowly missing out on a crucial win against Napoli last weekend, the Nerazzurri bounced back with a victory in their Champions League tie. Now, they shift their focus to securing three points against the league's bottom-placed side.
Match Preview
Inter Milan recently took a significant step toward defending their Serie A title but squandered a golden opportunity in a 1-1 draw against Napoli. A stunning Federico Dimarco free-kick initially put them in control, but a late equalizer denied them a commanding lead in the title race.
Following that disappointment, Simone Inzaghi's squad delivered a solid performance in the Champions League, clinching a 2-0 away win over Feyenoord in the first leg of their Round of 16 tie. Goals from Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez helped Inter take control of the fixture, with Martínez becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in the competition.
Inter are competing on multiple fronts this season, with a Coppa Italia semi-final against AC Milan and a fiercely contested title race in Serie A. Despite leading the table, they hold only a six-point advantage over fourth-placed Juventus, making every league game crucial.
The Nerazzurri have won their last three home matches in Serie A and will look to secure four consecutive home victories for the first time in a year. However, their previous meeting with Monza ended in a 1-1 draw, proving that underestimating the visitors could be costly.
Monza, on the other hand, find themselves in a dire situation. The club sits at the bottom of the table with just 14 points—22 fewer than at this stage last season—and is facing an almost certain relegation battle. Head coach Alessandro Nesta, a former AC Milan defender, returns to San Siro with a squad struggling for confidence and goals.
Their 2-0 defeat to Torino last week marked their third consecutive home game without scoring. With only 21 goals all season, Monza have one of the weakest attacks in Serie A. Another loss this weekend could push them closer to an inevitable drop to Serie B.
Team News & Expected Lineups
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Inter Milan flag AI generated photo
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Inter Milan
With an eye on their upcoming Champions League second leg, Simone Inzaghi may rotate his squad, potentially resting Marcus Thuram or Lautaro Martínez. However, given Martínez’s strong record against Monza—five goals in five appearances—he may still feature in some capacity.
Key absences include wing-backs Matteo Darmian, Federico Dimarco, and Nicola Zalewski, though Carlos Augusto could return. Goalkeeper Yann Sommer is also available after recovering from injury.
Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):
Sommer; Pavard, De Vrij, Acerbi; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Bastoni; Correa, Thuram
Monza
The visitors are missing several key players, including former Inter trio Stefano Sensi, Roberto Gagliardini, and Luca Caldirola. Injuries have also sidelined Gianluca Caprari, Andrea Carboni, and Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro.
Seeking attacking inspiration, Alessandro Nesta experimented with a two-striker formation last game, fielding Silvere Ganvoula and Keita Balde, though it failed to produce results. Balde, a former Inter player, could partner Dany Mota, who scored against Inter in their previous encounter.
Predicted Lineup (3-5-2):
Turati; D'Ambrosio, Izzo, Palacios; Pereira, Castrovilli, Bianco, Urbanski, Kyriakopoulos; Mota, Balde
Match Prediction & Betting Insights
Inter Milan have been dominant at home, winning their last three Serie A matches at the San Siro. Meanwhile, Monza’s poor form and inability to score in recent games make them unlikely to pose a serious threat.
Given Inter’s firepower and Monza’s struggles in front of goal, a comfortable home victory is expected.
Prediction: Inter Milan 2-0 Monza
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