AC Milan will invite Monza to San Siro in the second edition of the Silvio Berlusconi Trofeo on Tuesday. The annual friendly match was established in honor of Silvio Berlusconi, an important figure in the history of the two Lombardy-based clubs.
The hosts had a good run in the pre-season and concluded their US tour with three wins in as many games. In their previous outing, they defeated Barcelona on penalties after goals from Luka Jovic and Christian Pulisic had helped them play out a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The visitors were unbeaten in their last three friendlies of the pre-season and continued that form in the Coppa Italia first round last week. They hosted Sudtirol and registered a win in the penalty shootout after the match ended goalless after extra time.
AC Milan vs Monza Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two teams have squared off 15 times in all competitive games. All meetings have produced conclusive results, with the hosts leading 13-2 in wins. They have met in 26 unofficial friendlies, with 18 wins for the hosts.
- They last met in Serie A in February, with Monza recording a 4-2 home win. Interestingly, it was their first win in this fixture since 1964.
- The hosts have kept six clean sheets in their last 10 meetings against the visitors.
- AC Milan have just one win in their last nine home games in all competitions. Interestingly, they have conceded three goals apiece in three of their last four home games.
- Monza are winless in their last five away games in all competitions, failing to score in three games in that period.
- The hosts have scored at least three goals in four of their last six meetings against the visitors, including friendlies.
AC Milan vs Monza Prediction
The Rossoneri are on a three-game winning streak in friendlies and will look to continue that form in their first home game of the season. They have a 100% home record against the visitors and are strong favorites. New signings Alvaro Morata and Strahinja Pavlovic will be officially presented to the home fans in this match.
The Brianzoli failed to score in their first competitive match last week and will look to improve upon that record here. Former Milan defender Alessandro Nesta is Monza's head coach and will look to make a few changes to the starting XI as he travels back to his old stomping grounds.
Considering the hosts' better record in this fixture and home advantage, Milan are expected to register a win.
Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Monza
AC Milan vs Monza Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - AC Milan to win
Tip 2: Goals - Over/Under 2.5 Goals - Over 2.5 goals
Tip 3: At least one goal to be scored in the second half - Yes
Tip 4: Rafael Leão to score or assist any time - Yes