Final round of Serie B: Monza vs Empoli. Can the hosts secure Serie A promotion?
On Friday, May 8, at the U-Power Stadium in Monza, the final matchday of the Italian Serie B will see Monza take on Empoli in a decisive showdown for the hosts' quest to return to the top flight.
Match preview
Under Paolo Bianco, Monza head into the season finale in third place with 75 points. After a frustrating 2-3 defeat to Mantova in the previous round, the team has no margin for error. To claim second place and avoid the grueling playoffs, Monza must win and hope for a Frosinone loss, as they currently trail by three points. Bianco's side have been consistent in front of goal (59 goals this season), but recent defensive lapses have proved costly in the title race.
Empoli, led by Fabio Caserta (who replaced Guido Pagliuca in March 2026), sit 14th with 40 points. The visitors have already secured their Serie B status and are playing out the season without pressure. Last round, Empoli edged out Avellino 1-0, snapping a four-game winless streak. Caserta has given youth a chance, notably young striker Bohdan Popov, who has been a breakout star this spring.
Tactically, Monza will look to control the game, using the full width of the pitch with their energetic wing-backs. Empoli will focus on a compact defense and look to hit on the break through Shpendi.
The motivational gap will be decisive. Monza need nothing less than victory to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive, while Empoli are already in end-of-season mode. The home crowd at Brianteo will push their team forward, and the quality of players like Colpani and Cutrone should outweigh Empoli's discipline. Expect the hosts to seize control from the first whistle and get the result they need.
Probable lineups
Monza: Thiam — Ravanelli, Delli Carri, Carboni — Bakoune, Obiang, Pessina, Birindelli — Colpani, Cutrone — Petagna
Empoli: Perisan — Ebuehi, Romagnoli, Lovato, Guarino — Haas, Ghion, Belardinelli — Elia, Popov, Shpendi
Match facts and head-to-head
- In the last five meetings: two Empoli wins, two draws, and one Monza victory
- Monza have lost just once in their last eight matches: four clean-sheet wins and three draws
- Empoli have won just one of their last five, losing three times
Prediction
Monza are still fighting for direct promotion to Serie A and must beat their rivals at home. My prediction: Monza to win at 1.68
