Ebenezer Akinsanmiro ↑54′ · Michael Folorunsho ↑54′ · Filippo Delli Carri ↑61′ · Omari Forson ↑84′ · Dany Mota ↑84′ · Yvan Kouadio Maye · Valentin Antov · Leonardo Colombo · Adam Bakoune · Aljaz Strajnar · Jay Robinson · Nicolo Ballabio · Patrick Ciurria · Leonardo Colombo · Idrissa Toure · Matteo Pessina
Coach · Ivan Juric
Match Preview
Monza vs Udinese Match Preview
AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-27 19:48 UTC
Monza and Udinese search for first league win at Stadio Brianteo
The tactical intrigue for this weekend's Serie A clash at the Stadio Brianteo lies in how Monza will look to bounce back from a difficult opening day against a resilient Udinese side. With both teams seeking to establish their rhythm in the early stages of the season, the battle for control in the central areas will likely define the outcome of this Saturday evening fixture.
Tactical setups and midfield control
Monza are expected to field a side built on pace in the final third, with Dany Mota and Gustavo Varela leading the line. Supported by a midfield trio of Andrea Colpani, Mathis Mout, and Foe Ondoa, the hosts will aim to exploit the spaces between the lines to disrupt Udinese's defensive structure. Their ability to maintain intensity late into the match remains a key feature, as they have shown a tendency to find the net in the final quarter of their recent outings.
Udinese, meanwhile, appear set to deploy a balanced formation with Keinan Davis spearheading the attack. The midfield pairing of Jesper Karlstroem and Jakub Piotrowski will be tasked with protecting the backline while providing a platform for Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Unai Gomez to support the forward line. Their defensive discipline, anchored by Oumar Solet and Nicolo Bertola, will be tested by Monza's desire to recover from their heavy defeat against Inter.
Impact of team news and absences
Monza head into this match with notable concerns in their squad, as both Matteo Pessina and Leonardo Colombo are sidelined due to injury. The absence of these key figures forces a reshuffle in their creative approach, placing more pressure on Colpani to orchestrate the play from midfield. The expected defensive unit, featuring Ricardo Mangas and Samuele Birindelli, will need to be particularly sharp to contain Udinese's transition play.
Recent form and momentum
Monza’s recent competitive record has been a mix of highs and lows. Following a convincing 3-0 victory over Avellino in the Coppa Italia, they struggled to contain Inter in their most recent Serie A outing. They will be looking to regain the momentum they displayed during their successful promotion playoff run earlier in the year.
Udinese arrive at the Stadio Brianteo having opened their league campaign with a 1-1 draw against Como. This followed a narrow 1-0 success against Calcio Padova in the Coppa Italia, suggesting a side that is currently difficult to break down but still searching for a clinical edge in the final third. Their focus will be on maintaining the defensive solidity that helped them secure a clean sheet against top-tier opposition in pre-season.
Historical context and head-to-head
Matches between these two clubs have historically been tight, competitive affairs. In their most recent Serie A meeting on 11 May 2025, Monza edged out a 2-1 victory, reversing the result of their encounter from December 2024. With several draws in their recent history, including a 0-0 stalemate in February 2024, both sides will be acutely aware that small margins are likely to decide the points on Saturday.
Udinese
3-4-2-1
● Confirmed
9
↓68′
Davis
32
⚽
Ekkelenkamp
46
↓61′
Gomez
11
⚽
Kamara
8
Karlstroem
24
⚽↓60′
Piotrowski
23
↓85′
Vojvoda
28
Solet
77
↓68′
Ebosse
14
Abankwah
40
Okoye
Bench (18)
Lennon Miller ↑60′ · Oier Zarraga ↑61′ · Idrissa Gueye ↑68′ · Nicolo Bertola ↑68′ · Juan Arizala ↑85′ · Saba Goglichidze · Sandi Lovric · Vakoun Issouf Bayo · Bartosz Mrozek · Giulio Vinciati · David Pejicic · Daniele Padelli · Edoardo Piana · Christian Kabasele · Nicolo Zaniolo · Matteo Palma · Giorgi Chakvetadze · Alessandro Zanoli
Coach · Kosta Runjaic
Confirmed by FIFA officials.
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