Monza face squad challenges ahead of Sunday’s match against Cagliari, despite swift January transfer activity. The return of Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro provides a boost, but injuries and suspensions continue to plague the team.
Recent additions to the injury list include Dany Mota and Georgios Kyriakopoulos, joining Samuele Vignato, Luca Caldirola, Roberto Gagliardini, and Matteo Pessina. Pablo Mari is unavailable due to suspension.
In Mota’s absence, Daniel Maldini is expected to partner with top scorer Milan Djuric in attack, possibly joined by Gianluca Caprari.
Cagliari also face setback, with key forward Zito Luvumbo sidelined due to an ankle injury. Roberto Piccoli is likely to lead the attack, supported by Gianluca Gaetano.
Leonardo Pavoletti, who recently climbed to fifth place in Cagliari’s all-time Serie A scoring chart, is anticipated to start on the bench. Despite not starting a league match since December 2023, Pavoletti, known for his aerial prowess, aims to score a header against Monza, potentially making them the 19th team he’s scored against in such fashion in Serie A.
Monza (3-4-2-1): Turati; Izzo, Carboni, D’Ambrosio; Pereira, Bianco, Bondo, Birindelli; Caprari, Maldini; Djuric
Cagliari (4-4-1-1): Sherri; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Obert; Zortea, Adopo, Makoumbou, Augello; Gaetano; Piccoli
