Monza vs Lazio prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2024-05-03 16:00.
[p]Starting this matchday six points behind the top eight, Monza still have a theoretical chance to qualify for Europe next season, but a five-game winless run (D2, L3) has all but extinguished their chances. The humble success of a top-half finish is still in sight, but with three of their remaining four opponents in the current top eight, the hosts need to find a new gear to end their campaign on a high.[/p]
[p]The slide in their fortunes has coincided with Monza’s loss of form at this venue, with three defeats across their last four home games (W1). The three losses saw them concede ten goals in total and all have come against teams competing for European spots such as their next opponent Lazio, which doesn’t augur well for any hopes of a bounce back for the hosts.[/p]
[p]Lazio are four points behind bitter city rivals Roma in the race to take advantage of Serie A getting an additional fifth Champions League berth. The visitors have found some form at the right time as they attempt to close that gap, winning five of their last six league games (L1) including three in a row. Three of those five victories were by a 1-0 scoreline with the winning goal coming beyond the hour mark, so don’t be surprised to see a tight game.[/p]
[p]The Biancocelesti did strike earlier in the reverse fixture, although their 12th-minute penalty was eventually cancelled out in a 1-1 draw. Chances of a repeat result are low going by recent form, as Lazio haven’t had a stalemate across their last nine away league games (W6, L3) including their latest win, also by a 1-0 scoreline.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Matteo Pessina has scored his last six home league goals from the penalty spot, with four ending in wins for Monza. Taty Castellanos boasts a better record, as his last four league goals have come in three wins for Lazio.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Six of Lazio’s last eight league games were level at half-time, including five that remained goalless.[/p]