Lazio - AC Monza predictions and free betting tips [23/09/2023]

On Saturday, 23rd of September as part of the 5th round of Italy's Serie A, Lazio will host Monza in its home field. The biancocelesti came close to suffering their fourth defeat in their last five matches on Tuesday; however, Ivan Provedel equalised in the match against Atletico Madrid in the first Champions League round.

Predicted Line-Ups

Lazio: Provedel; Marusic, Casale, Romagnoli, Hysaj; Kamada, Vecino, Alberto; Pedro, Immobile, Zaccagni.
Monza: Sorrentino; Izzo, Mari, Carboni; Birindelli, Gagliardini, Pessina, Ciurria; Colpani, Mota; Colombo.

Stadium

The clash will take place in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio

Having finished second in Serie A last season, Lazio pleased their tifosi, but to achieve similar success in the upcoming campaign, the team will have to work hard. Under the guidance of Maurizio Sarri, the biancocelesti are not in the best shape at the moment, which is evidenced by their 15th position in the table. To everyone's surprise, the Romans lost two opening matches to Lecce (2:1) and Genoa (0:1), then defeated Napoli (1:2). Last weekend, the capital's footballers once again capitulated – this time to Juventus (3:1), with the club's coach and players refusing to talk to the press in protest against refereeing decisions. This week, Lazio drew with Atletico Madrid, thanks to a goal by goalkeeper Provedel assisted by Luis Alberto in stoppage time (1:1).

The Romans have lost three of their four opening Serie A matches for only the second time in 60 years. This weekend, Sarri can count on a perfect squad, as the club's treatment room is empty. There are doubts over the participation of Luca Pellegrini, who was substituted in the match against Atletico. Playmaker Luis Alberto (2 goals and 1 assist in Serie A) now plays a key role in midfield, as Serbian midfielder Milinkovic-Savic moved to Saudi Arabia this summer. Despite a not very successful start to the season, Ciro Immobile (1 goal in the championship) will once again be at the forefront of the attack, assisted on the flanks by Pedro and Zaccagni.

Monza

Having made it to the premiere division for the first time in their history last season, Monza surpassed all expectations and rose to the 11th position in Serie A's final tournament table. Now the Lombards are hoping to consolidate their position, but the start of the season raises some questions. Being 13th overall with 4 points, the team has so far only won against bottom-of-the-table Empoli (2:0 at home), which led to the dismissal of Paolo Zanetti. Otherwise, the visitors lost to Inter (2:0) and Atalanta (3:0), and last weekend they came away with a draw against Lecce (1:1). Despite Monza's unsatisfactory form, playing at the Olimpico this weekend is a good opportunity to exacerbate the capital club's problems and take points away. Monza saw injuries to young defender Bettella and main striker Caprari being suspended. 

Head-to-Head Meetings

In the last 20 head-to-head matches, Lazio has won eight and drawn seven. Last season, the Roman club twice came out on top over Monza (1:0 and 0:2).

Match Prediction Lazio – Monza

Lazio had a poor start to their national campaign, but an emotional draw in the Champions League could give the hosts a boost. Monza was a surprise last season, finishing mid-table, but it will be incredibly tough for the biancorossi to replicate that success. It's high time for the Romans to get going and start winning in Serie A, especially since the Eagles' squad is capable of battling for a top-four finish. My prediction is a victory for the home side.

Total Forecast

All three previous meetings between these teams haven't been high-scoring – featuring less than 2.5 goals. Considering the current form of both sides, it makes sense to continue this trend.

Corner Forecast

As favourites, Lazio will take control of the ball and attack their opponent’s goal from the start. Thus, I predict a victory for the home team in corners with a handicap of -1.5.

Yellow Card Forecast

Monza is one of the most frequently fouling teams in Serie A and has accummulated 11 yellow cards in the first 4 rounds. I confidently predict an individual total of more than 1.5 for the visitors in this respect.

Score Prediction

I'm betting on a precise score of 2:0 in favour of Lazio.