AC Monza - AS Roma predictions and free betting tips [02/03/2024]

Today as part of the 27th round of the Italian Serie A, "Monza" will host "Roma". The "Biancorossi" are undefeated in five consecutive matches and have solidly settled in the middle of the league table, whereas the Romans have picked up a fantastic pace under the direction of Daniele De Rossi.

Monza

Last year, "Monza" reached the top Italian division for the first time in its history and firmly established itself amongst the elite. In the current campaign, the Lombards even harbour faint hopes of qualifying for the European cups: the red and whites occupy the 11th place in the Serie A table, lagging behind the seventh place by five points. The hosts have not lost in the last five rounds (3 wins and 2 draws): after a victory over "Milan" (4:2), "Monza" won last weekend against bottom-placed "Salernitana" (0:2) – late goals by Daniele Maldini and captain Matteo Pessina decided everything. It is important to highlight that the hosts perform very well at home: they have collected 20 points in 13 home games, scored 16 goals, and conceded 13.

On Saturday, "Monza" will be without long-injured forwards Caprari and Vignato, who have not recovered from physical ailments. Moreover, Argentine World Champion Papu Gomez is still disqualified, and key defender Izzo is serving a similar punishment. In midfield, Italian national team players Pessina and Gagliardini will likely appear in their stead. Daniel Maldini, who joined the club this winter, scored 1 goal and gave 1 assist in the last 2 matches, however, veteran goalkeeper Di Gregorio is the mainstay of reliability in the "Monza" camp – he will have a chance to gather his 50th victory for the club in all competitions.

Roma

Roma currently occupies the sixth place in the Serie A overall standings and is 4 points away from the top four, which gives the right to participate in the Champions League. Inconsistent results led to Jose Mourinho's dismissal in early January, and since Daniele De Rossi was appointed to the vacant position, the "Giallorossi" have won 5 out of their last 6 championship matches. After losing to "Inter" (2:4), the Romans defeated "Frosinone" (0:3) and "Torino" last Monday (3:2). With a hat-trick, Paulo Dybala joined Mauro Icardi (121 goals) as the fourth highest-scoring Argentinean in Serie A history (Gonzalo Higuan is third with 125). Only league leader "Inter Milan" has scored more than "Roma" since De Rossi's appointment, and the capital club has improved their scoring average from 1.6 goals per game to 2.7.

It's important to note that the guests do not perform in the best way away from home: they are only the 10th in the table based on away performances, having scored 15 goals but conceding 17. In the Europa League, the "wolves" barely made it past "Feyenoord" in the playoffs and are preparing to host "Brighton" next Thursday in the first match of the 1/8 finals. The Roman squad is without defender Karlsdorp and long-time absent striker Abraham. Paulo Dybala (11 goals and 6 assists) will pair in attack with Belgian Romelu Lukaku (9 goals), and they will be aided by midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini (5 goals and 3 assists) – De Rossi will likely return to his preferred 4-3-3 formation. Serbian goalkeeper Svilar will replace Portuguese Rui Patricio, with Chris Smalling and Mancini cementing the centre of defence.

Head-to-head

Having only taken one point from "Roma" since its promotion to the elite division in 2022, "Monza" is keen to avenge the minimal defeat in the first half of the season (1:0).

Monza - Roma match prediction

Both teams are in good form and are undefeated in their last four matches. It would not be a surprise if Roma's winning streak is broken on Saturday, considering "Monza"'s excellent home performances. Nevertheless, the "wolves" continue to fight for a place in the Champions League top four, and previously injured leaders are gradually returning to action. My prediction – victory for the away side.