Sassuolo - AC Monza predictions and free betting tips [02/10/2023]

Today as part of the 7th round of the Italian Serie A, Sassuolo will host Monza. After victories over Juventus and Inter Milan, the 'neroverdi' have forgotten about the terrible start of the season, while the guests are aiming for their second victory in the championship.

Predicted Lineups

Sassuolo: Consigli; Toljan, Erlic, Tressoldi, Vina; Boga, Enrique; Berardi, Bayrami, Lauriente; Pinamonti.
Monza: Gregorio; Izzo, Mari, Caldara; Churria, Pessina, Gagliardini, Kiriakopoulos; Kolpani; Mota, Colombo.

Stadium

The match will take place in Reggio Emilia at Mapei Stadium – Citta del Tricolore.

Sassuolo

Sassuolo's ambitions this season are modest: the team had a poor start to the national championship, losing the first 2 matches. However, the situation has improved since then: the neroverdi won 3 out of 4 encounters and lost only once. After their victory over Juventus (4:2) in front of their tifosi last weekend, Sassuolo sprung another surprise this week by defeating leaders Inter (1:2), despite trailing 1:0 at half-time. In both matches, Alessio Dionisi's side must thank their leader Domenico Berardi: in the midweek match, the winger scored the decisive goal against the nerazzurri. These unexpected results have seen the hosts climb to 10th place in Serie A, with 9 points to their name.
Sassuolo continue to be without backup striker Álvarez who hasn't played a minute this season due to injury. However, this week saw the return of first-choice goalkeeper Consigli. Attacking midfielder Bayrami, as well as winger Berardi (4 goals and 1 assist), will once again be in the starting line-up following a sparkling performance against Inter, while Lauriente (1 goal and 1 assist) and Pinamonti (4 goals) will lead the attack. The hosts have scored 11 goals in six opening rounds, while conceding one more.

Monza

Last season, Monza made their debut in the elite division, finishing a respectable 11th place in Serie A. This year the Lombards are hoping to avoid a survival battle once again. Currently, the team sits 15th in the standings with 6 points. Since the return of club football after the international break in September, the red-and-whites haven't had great success: Monza have drawn three times in a row against Lecce (1:1), Lazio (1:1) and Bologna this week (0:0). Their goal-scoring record is a concern: just four goals in six rounds – fewer than only four clubs in Serie A. This season they've picked up only one point on their travels in Serie A, the second-worst tally in the division.
Monza's coach still mourns the absence of young defender Bettella and key forward Caprari. World Champion Papu Gomez's participation is in doubt, who joined from Sevilla in the close of the transfer window. Striker Kolpani (3 goals in Serie A) was very effective last campaign but has yet to hit form this term. Colombo, who joined on loan from Milan this summer, hasn't found the back of the net yet, but is certain to start due to a lack of alternative options up front. Experienced Pablo Mari is expected to feature in the guests' defence, which is likely to be formed of a trio of centre-backs.

Head-to-Head

In the most recent head-to-head clash, Monza claimed a 2:1 victory, snapping a six-match winless streak in this fixture.

Prediction for the match Sassuolo - Monza

Sassuolo, despite losing three out of four opening matches, has picked up momentum, causing upset for Juventus and Inter last week. The neroverdi have won their last two home matches and are looking to extend this sequence to please their fans. In contrast, Monza have drawn three times and still can't get over the death of their former owner – Berlusconi. The visitors haven't won any of their last four away fixtures, hence a confident bet on a Sassuolo victory with a 0 handicap.