Monza’s one point puts six-point gap with Sassuolo under focus

Monza arrive today with one point from four games, while Sassuolo sit ninth on seven. The 18:45 UTC meeting gives both sides a clear test of their early-season direction, with Monza starting 18th and 11 points behind league leaders AS Roma.

What's at stake

Sassuolo are six points above Monza before Round 5. A Monza win would reduce that gap to three points, while a Sassuolo victory would stretch it to nine and strengthen their position in the top half. Roma lead on 12 points, leaving Sassuolo five behind and Monza 11 adrift.

The numbers

Monza have lost three of their four matches, scoring six goals and conceding 11. Their home record is 0W 0D 1L, with two goals scored and three conceded. Sassuolo's recent sequence reads loss, win, draw, win; they have scored eight and conceded seven overall, but remain without an away win after one draw and one loss.

One to watch

Vasilije Adžić is the only player from these two squads listed on the league scorer chart. The Sassuolo player has two goals and one assist in four appearances, giving him a direct role in three of his team's scoring contributions so far.

Why it matters

Monza need a result to stop a four-match run that contains three defeats and to address a five-goal negative goal difference. Their selection is also affected by five listed absences, including M. Pessina with a knee injury and J. Ziolkowski with a foot injury. Sassuolo have seven listed absences, including I. Kone with a broken leg and C. Volpato with a thigh injury, but can move further clear of 18th with points today.