Italy Serie A (Round 18) & Serie B (Round 19)

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Napoli vs Monza Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Napoli:
Meret; Di Lorenzo, Jesus, Rrahmani, Rui; Anguissa, Cajuste, Zielinski; Raspadori, Simeone, Kvaratskhelia

Monza:
Di Gregorio; D'Ambrosio, Caldirola, Izzo; Pereira, Gagliardini, Pessina, Ciurria; Colpani, Vignato; Colombo

The reigning champions Napoli will try to secure three points when they welcome Monza to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Friday evening. The Vesuvians have a turbulent season and they are huge 17 points behind the league leaders Inter. To be worse, they are outside Top-4 and the fans are disappointed. Coach Rudi Garcia paid the price and he was replaced by Walter Mazzarri, but the results are still mixed. The narrow victory over Cagliari two weeks ago was followed by a painful 2:0 defeat to Roma last weekend. What is worse, two players were sent off at Olimpico - Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen. According to me, that was a key reason for the defeat. Worst of all, they are both suspended for this match and it is a big handicap for Mazzarri. In their absence, Giovanni Simeone and Giacomo Raspadori are expect to start in the attack. But Mazzarri not only has suspension worries - important midfielder Stanislav Lobotka broke a rib and defender Natan sustained a dislocated shoulder against Roma. Defender Mathias Olivera is still sidelined by a knee injury, while Macedonian international Eljif Elmas left the club and signed for Leipzig. It is clear Napoli are very handicapped for this match.

Monza sit in the middle of the table with 21 points, eight clear of the drop zone. The actual form is poor, they lost two in a row. The defeat against Milan could somehow be swallowed, maybe even the narrow 1:0 to Fiorentina. According to me, both opponents are stronger. That was Monza's sixth defeat in Serie A this season, but all have come against sides who finished in the top eight last term. Coach Raffaele Palladino is doing a solid job and the fans are satisfied with the fact their team is away from the relegation battle. Some of them are dreaming about the European places, but I think it is unrealistic. However, the away form look a problem for them. The Biancorossi have won only twice on the road in 2023-24 season. There are some additional worries for Palladino. Important defender Pablo Mari is suspended after picked up another booking against Fiorentina. Most probably he will be replaced by young Armando Izzo. Andrea Carboni and Gianluca Caprari remain out injured. Palladino could make few changes in order to provide fresh legs, with Lorenzo Colombo and Patrick Ciurria between the candidates for starting place.

Napoli vs Monza Prediction:

I think Monza could remain unbeaten at Stadio Maradona. The key reason for my pick is connect with Napoli. They are without lot of important players. Matteo Politano and Victor Osimhen are suspended, while Stanislav Lobotka, Natan and Mathias Olivera are sidelined due to injuries. Monza are solid side and they could take advantage from Napoli problems.

Napoli vs Monza Pick: Monza +0.5 AH @ 2.33 with Pinnacle