Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Serie A match.
AC Monza's challenging start to the season, with zero wins in seven games, continues with a visit to solid Hellas Verona. Bookmakers are hesitant to label the home team as clear favourites due to numerous injuries, while a motivated underdog is capable of closing down the spaces effectively in their penalty area.
Hellas Verona
In their last match before the international break, Hellas Verona managed to edge past Venezia (2:1), snatching victory thanks to an own goal by the opposition in the dying minutes. Out of 20 attempts against the Serie A bottom-table team, they hit the target just three times. Paolo Zanetti welcomes back Paweł Dawidowicz and Tomáš Suslov from suspensions, yet Faride Alidu, Juan Cruz, Abdou Harroui, and Suat Serdar remain sidelined, each of whom would provide valuable depth in their respective areas.
AC Monza
In the seven league rounds so far, AC Monza have seen the total over 2.5 only twice—a record low matched only by Empoli. As they head into the upcoming fixture, Monza hold the last position in xG standings by a margin (3.56 with five goals scored). Recent encounters with Napoli (0:2) and Roma (1:1) demonstrated that the team are capable of thwarting favourites with a defensive approach—a tactic the coach is likely to employ again to stave off potential dismissal.
Hellas Verona vs AC Monza Prediction
Since AC Monza's promotion to Serie A, the total over 2.5 has been hit only in one out of four head-to-head matches with Hellas Verona. At Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi, both mid-table sides are expected to partake in a goalless affair, banking on their opponents' errors. The logical bet here is on the total under 2.5.
