Monza vs Inter prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-01-06 19:45.
Monza returned to Serie A (SA) action with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina on Wednesday, a result which stretched their cushion to the drop zone to eight points coming into the round. Such daylight to the relegation zone marks a mightily impressive start to life in the top-flight for Monza, who are rubbing shoulders with Italy’s elite for the first time ever.
They don’t come much more elite than next opponents Inter Milan, but with Monza winning four of their last five SA home games, the SA debutants may be cautiously optimistic of pulling off another famous upset after their win here over Juventus. Aside from the football though, this game could also mark a heartwarming return to home action for defender Pablo MarĂ, who having been a substitute against Fiorentina, could be in line for a first competitive home appearance since being stabbed in late October.
Inter marked their return to SA action with an eye-catching 1-0 victory against table-topping Napoli, a result which strengthened their position within the top four. While a second SA title in three years remains a pipe dream unless Inter can close the eight-point gap to the top, the fact they were the first side to inflict a league defeat upon Napoli this season does perhaps hint at signs of a turnaround.
Proving that result wasn’t just a one off may not be that straightforward for Inter though, who have lost four of their last seven SA away matches (W3). Ahead of what is the first competitive meeting between these sides since 1990/91, it is perhaps easy to see why Inter are struggling on the road, as the Nerazzurri are without an away league clean sheet in their last 12 such games.
Players to watch: Carlos Augusto netted Monza’s equaliser against Fiorentina and the Brazilian has scored the game opener in their last three home league wins. Also scoring on SA’s return, Edin Džeko has netted Inter’s second goal of the game in his three scoring away league appearances this season.
Hot stat: Monza haven’t conceded a home SA goal inside the opening half hour this season.