MONZA v AC MILAN: OPPONENT REVIEW

AC Milan seem to have overcome a difficult period thanks to their narrow wins over Torino and Tottenham. They were, however, two challenging matches from a mental and physical standpoint, which will only make the Rossoneri's first trip to Monza in Serie A an even tougher prospect. At the U-Power Stadium, Pioli's men will need to produce a focused and solid performance to overcome the Biancorossi, who have been the fourth-best team in the division since Raffaele Palladino, in his first season as a Serie A coach, took over.

Since 13 September 2022, Monza have picked up 28 points in 16 matches, one more than AC Milan (who won the reverse fixture 4-1) and fewer than only Napoli, Juventus and Inter. The Brianzoli's excellent form is supported by the numbers: they're currently on the longest unbeaten run in the league (four wins and four draws in their last eight matches), and they've lost just one of their last eight matches at home. Monza have enjoyed playing in the afternoon: they've picked up 26 of their 29 points in 15:00 kick-offs.

MONZA'S STYLE: POSSESSION AND DEFENSIVE FOCUS
Palladino's Monza have, in the last few months, shown two different sides of themselves: on the one hand, they've played a bold and modern style of football, going on the attack and creating several chances; on the other hand, as was the case in their game against Bologna last time out, they've simply been clinical. Their home draw against Inter and victory away to Juventus showed that Palladino's side apply themselves particularly well, going into the smallest of details and remaining thoroughly focused. It's not a coincidence that only league leaders Napoli have shipped fewer goals (two) from set-pieces than Monza (three) in Serie A this season. AC Milan, meanwhile, have conceded twelve in this manner. Although they are more than happy to launch quick counter-attacks when they see fit, the Brianzoli are particularly fond of keeping possession: on average, Monza have been on the ball 55.4% of the time across all their matches this campaign (the third-highest percentage in the league). Furthermore, the Biancorossi favour order over aggression: they've only made 100 attacking recoveries in 2022/23 and are 16th in the league in this regard.

PESSINA, THE CAPTAIN AND AN ALL-ROUNDER, AND CIURRIA'S QUALITY
When Monza is discussed, it's impossible to look past the Club's technical project. In their last match against Bologna, twelve of the 16 players used by Palladino were Italians, including Matteo Pessina. Pessina, who was born in Monza and is a fan of the Brianzoli, was once an AC Milan player, even if he never appeared in Serie A for the Rossoneri. After a difficult start to the current campaign, the Biancorossi captain has made great strides forward, contributing to five goals (three goals and two assists). He's also among the best Italian midfielders in terms of duels won (92) and leading the way when it comes to dribbles (245, 2802 meters travelled). A chance in coach led to a change in style for Monza, who possess real quality on the flanks. A real revelation is Patrick Ciurria, who was more of a squad player under Stroppa (four appearances as a substitute) but became an immediate starter after Palladino took the helm. Ciurria, in his first season in Serie A, has repaid his coach's faith in full, contributing to seven goals (three goals and four assists) in 15 starts; Zaccagni and Orsolini are the only Italian players to have done better in this regard. Furthermore, he's the Monza player who has created the most goalscoring chances from open play (18).

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