The cup offers a chance to reset: Torino vs Monza prediction
The second-round Coppa Italia match between Torino and Monza will take place on 1 September at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino. Both teams have lost their opening two Serie A matches, so the cup tie offers an opportunity to quickly improve the impression left by a disappointing start to the season.
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Torino: pointless start, but head-to-head record favours the hosts
Ignazio Abate's side began their cup campaign with a narrow victory over Carrarese, but things have gone worse in the league. Torino lost to AC Milan before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Sassuolo, despite Pietro Comuzzo scoring his first goal for the club.
Torino have traditionally felt comfortable against Monza and are unbeaten in their last six meetings with this opponent. Even with possible rotation, the hosts still have enough attacking options to retain an advantage.
Monza: seven goals conceded in two rounds
Ivan Juric's side comfortably progressed through the first round of the Coppa Italia by thrashing Avellino 3-0. That was followed by a 4-1 defeat to Inter and a 3-2 loss to Udinese, making defensive problems the visitors' biggest weakness at the moment.
Injuries further complicate the situation: Matteo Pessina, Patrick Ciurria, Leonardo Colombo and Idrissa Toure remain unavailable, while Gustavo Varela has suffered an adductor injury. With a congested schedule, Juric may also opt to rotate his squad.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Torino are unbeaten in their last six matches against Monza.
- Monza have conceded seven goals in their opening two Serie A matches.
- Both teams won their first-round Coppa Italia matches before suffering two consecutive defeats.
The visitors' defence could struggle again: Torino vs Monza prediction
Both teams head into the match with noticeable defensive problems, so this could develop into a high-scoring contest. Torino, however, have more attacking options and a better head-to-head record.
Monza are capable of scoring, especially given the hosts' inconsistency, but containing Torino's attacking players for the entire match will be difficult. Abate's side therefore hold a slight advantage.
