MONZA v AC MILAN: FUN FACTS

We have reached the day before our game away at the U-Power Stadium in Monza, a first trip there in Serie A for us. The Biancorossi, led by Palladino, are on a very good run of form and are ready challenge us on their home soil, where they have already caused problems for several big teams. We can expect a tricky Saturday: let's prepare for the fixture with the most interesting statistics and trivia about the match.

LOMBARDY STORYLINES
In their historic first season in the top flight, Monza struggled initially: after losing their first two matches against teams from Lombardy in Serie A (Atalanta and AC Milan), the Brianzoli went undefeated against teams from their own region in the league (draw against Inter and win against Cremonese). The 'interregional' journey has also been positive for the Rossoneri, who have lost only one of their last ten matches against Lombardy sides in the league. In the most recent of these games, against Cremonese and Inter, AC Milan have not scored a goal. 

HOW DO THE TWO SIDES COMPARE
The case of the Biancorossi shows an example of the positive effect of a change of coach in the course of the season: since Raffaele Palladino took charge (13 September), Monza have collected 28 points in 16 matches. In that time only Napoli, Juventus and Inter have done better. The longest unbeaten streak in the league belongs to the Brianzoli, who have not lost any of their last eight matches (4 wins, 4 draws). AC Milan got back on track by winning their last two matches against Torino and Tottenham, putting a very difficult January behind them. In these two game, Tătăruşanu has kept two clean sheets, something the team hadn't done since August (Bologna and Sassuolo). The team has a good record in the games that have immediately followed a Champions League tie: we are unbeaten in nine of the 12 matches played after European commitments (6W, 3D). 

FULL-BACKS
Monza v AC Milan could be a special occasion for Theo Hernández, who could make his 150th appearance in a Rossoneri shirt in all competitions. Since his arrival in the summer of 2019, no Rossoneri player has made more appearances than the Frenchman (149). The absence of Brazilian Carlos Augusto will prevent us from experiencing a clash between two very exciting full backs, who are in the top three of defenders who have taken the most shots: Theo - with 2 goals and 3 assists in the league this season - is first with 36 shots, followed by Dimarco with 34 and Carlos Augusto with 25. 

ATTACKERS VS MONZA
Three different attackers scored in the game at San Siro: for Brahim Díaz it was his first - and so far only - brace in Europe's top five leagues. After scoring in the Champions League on Tuesday, the Spaniard hopes to find the net again in Serie A, which he has not done since the home game vs the Biancorossi. Divock Origi was also on the scoresheet, in that case the first of his Rossoneri adventure: the Belgian is looking for an away goal, as is Olivier Giroud, who has scored seven goals in the league (including the last one that decided AC Milan v Torino) of which only one was in an away game, against Sampdoria. Rafael Leão is looking for a goal: the Portuguese - who scored the last goal in the 4-1 on 22 October - has scored the most goals (eight) and provided the most assists (five) for AC Milan in Serie A, but has been gone without a goal contribution in his last six games.

The PUMA AC Milan Kits for the 2022/23 season are available: get yours now!