Monza vs Udinese: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

The second round of Serie A brings a statistical curiosity to the forefront: Monza and Udinese have met seven times in their history, and on every occasion the home team has failed to claim victory. This trend will be put to the test at the U-Power Stadium, where both sides arrive with contrasting momentum after the opening weekend.

Tactical Analysis: Monza’s Underdog Status Confirmed

Monza made headlines by appointing Ivan Juric as head coach, handing him one of the highest salaries in the Italian top flight. However, the squad he inherited is modest at best and poorly suited to his trademark approach—built on athleticism, intensity, and man‑to‑man pressing. The result was a predictable thrashing at the hands of the reigning champions in the first round. For one half at San Siro, Monza held their own and went into the break level at 1‑1, but once Inter stepped up the tempo, the floodgates opened and three more goals followed in a 4‑1 defeat.

Changes are inevitable after that trip to Milan, and the most pressing issue is between the posts. Samuele Pizzignacco failed to seize his opportunity, so the first‑choice goalkeeper Demba Thiam—suspended for the opener—will reclaim his place. Another logical adjustment involves Patrick Cutrone. The centre‑forward role is currently occupied by Gustavo Varela, who scored against Inter, but Cutrone’s experience could be valuable as a left inside forward. That shift would allow former Spartak Moscow man Ricardo Mangas to return to his natural left wing‑back position.

Tactical Analysis: Udinese’s Confident Start

Udinese faced a tricky opponent in Como, a club that had just qualified for the Champions League. Yet Kosta Runjaic’s men handled the challenge admirably, earning a deserved 1‑1 draw. The Bianconeri deliberately ceded possession to their more technically gifted rivals but regularly broke forward on rapid flank counters, one of which produced Hassane Kamara’s equaliser. Against sides with inferior individual quality, Udinese typically adopt a more aggressive game plan, employing full‑field physical pressing. That is exactly what they are expected to bring to the match at Monza.

Last season’s top scorer Keinan Davis missed the first round through injury but has returned to full fitness and is ready to lead the line. Nicolò Zaniolo, however, picked up a knock late in the Como game and will be sidelined until October. His absence opens the door for one of Udinese’s most intriguing summer signings, Unai Gomez, to take the right inside‑forward role.

Predicted Lineups

Monza (3‑4‑2‑1): Thiam – Cuadio, Delli Carri, Carboni – Birindelli, Ondoa, Mout, Mangas – Colpani, Cutrone – Varela Out: Pessina (injury) Head coach: Ivan Juric

Udinese (3‑4‑2‑1): Okoye – Abankwa, Sole, Ebosse – Vojvoda, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, Kamara – Gomez, Ekkelenkamp – Davis Out: Chakvetadze, Zanoli, Zaniolo, Palma (all injured), Kabasele (suspended) Head coach: Kosta Runjaic

Referee

Claudio Giuseppe Allegretta will officiate his first ever Serie A match. In the previous season, his average yellow‑card count per game stood at 4.18, while red cards were a rarity—he produced just one in his last 30 fixtures.

Prediction and Bet

Runjaic has a proven track record of preparing his team for the start of a campaign. In his two previous seasons at the helm, Udinese never lost any of their opening three matches. This year, the visitors appear intent on maintaining that habit. Monza arguably possess the weakest squad in Serie A and look a far more manageable opponent than Como, who are chasing the upper echelons of Italian football. Moreover, the hosts’ physical condition looked suspect in round one, raising doubts about their ability to withstand Udinese’s trademark aggressive pressing.

Main prediction: Udinese to win at odds of 2.44.

Additional bet on total goals: If the match unfolds as expected with Udinese dictating terms, a high‑scoring affair seems unlikely. The Friulani ended last season with four consecutive under‑2.5‑goal games, and neither of their two official fixtures this term has seen more than two goals. Therefore, under 2.5 goals at 1.65 is a sensible secondary option.