Monza vs Lazio prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2023-04-01 13:00.
A steady return of five points from their last three league matches (W1, D2) kept Monza firmly in the comfort of the Serie A (SA) mid-table going into the international break. With a 15-point cushion to the relegation zone ahead of this round, barring a catastrophic meltdown, they should extend their maiden voyage in the top-flight into a second season. With their next three matches against current top-eight teams starting with Lazio this weekend, Raffaele Palladino’s side perhaps even hold an outside chance of a seventh-spot finish and possible European qualification if they can begin to pick off the field.
Starting that late dash at the Stadio Brianteo could be a blessing as Monza have only lost once here across eight SA home matches (W3, D4). That sole defeat came ‘to nil’ against AC Milan, but with their four stalemates during that sequence seeing them battle back after conceding first, Monza may not be averse to plotting another comeback.
Lazio have been in impressive form themselves of late, piecing together a five-match unbeaten streak (W4, D1) which saw them go into the break in 2nd position. That run included key wins over Napoli and Roma, helping land manager Maurizio Sarri the ‘coach of the month’ award. Even the fact they crashed out of the UEFA Europa Conference League seems to have a silver lining, as Sarri can now concentrate on finishing in the Champions League qualification spots, and they look good to do so as they hold a five-point gap to fifth-placed Roma after 27 rounds.
Their charge has largely been built on defensive solidity, with Lazio managing 16 clean sheets this SA campaign, including one in the reverse fixture (W 1-0). If anything, being on the road has helped them in that context as the visitors have conceded just one goal across their last five SA away games (W3, D2) including three consecutive clean sheets.
Players to watch: Monza’s Andrea Petagna has four SA goals against Lazio, with his last two scoring appearances coming in wins. Mattia Zaccagni may be a stumbling block in that aspect as six of his last eight league goals have come in Lazio wins (W6, D1, L1).
Hot stat: Five of Monza’s last six league games, and each of Lazio’s last five SA matches, have seen at least one goalless half.