In a battle that could shape the fate of the Serie B title race, Modena faces off against Monza in what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Stadio Alberto Braglia on December 26, 2025. Currently sitting sixth with 29 points, Modena desperately needs to turn their recent misfortunes around if they hope to keep pace with a Monza side that's riding high in second place with 34 points. Both teams are at a crucial juncture in their seasons-one looking to establish itself as a title contender, while the other seeks redemption from an inconsistent run.
Predicted Lineups
Expect tactical flexibility as both sides could shift formations based on their recent patterns:
- Modena: GK: Leandro Chichizola, DEF: Cristian Cauz, Davide Adorni, Daniel Tonoli, MID: Francesco Zampano, Simone Santoro, Gady Beyuku, Fabio Gerli; FWD: Grégoire Defrel, Ettore Gliozzi.
- Monza: GK: Demba Thiam, DEF: Andrea Carboni, Filippo Delli Carri, Luca Ravanelli; MID: Paulo Azzi, Pedro Obiang, Samuele Birindelli; FWD: Dany Mota.
The tactical chess match between coaches will likely hinge on Modena's need to regain form after stumbling against lower-ranked opponents like Venezia and Catanzaro. In stark contrast, Monza enters this clash off the back of a decisive 4-1 victory over Carrarese-a dominant performance showcasing their offensive potency.
Tactical Dynamics
Let's dive into how these teams have fared recently and what it means for this impending clash. Modena's last five matches reflect a disturbing trend: despite generating chances (an average of 14 total shots per game), they struggle with conversion-having only netted three goals across those fixtures. Their current reliance on Ettore Gliozzi and Grégoire Defrel to deliver is palpable but tempered by their underwhelming finishing skills.
Defensively, however, Modena is also leaking goals with alarming regularity-conceding eight in their last five matches despite holding nearly equal possession stats in certain games. A disjointed midfield may be partly responsible for this inconsistency; they're surrendering control to opponents with greater creativity like Monza's Pedro Obiang, who can exploit defensive lapses.
On the other hand, Monza thrives on fluid attacking movements and defensive solidity built around their formidable backline featuring Andrea Carboni and Filippo Delli Carri. Their ability to maintain possession effectively (average pass accuracy of 85%) makes them dangerous when breaking through opposing defenses. The strategic use of width through wingers such as Patrick Ciurria and Dany Mota allows them to stretch the field horizontally while maintaining vertical threats via quick transitions-a key area where they can expose Modena's frailties.
Monza's contrasting form tells its own story-they've scored multiple goals in four out of their last five outings. With confidence surging post-victory against Carrarese and minimal injuries hampering squad depth (unlike Modena), they seem poised for yet another strong performance.
Key Players To Watch
For Modena to seize any advantage in this encounter, all eyes will need to be on Ettore Gliozzi. His contributions may not show up directly on the score sheet lately (just one assist across his last three starts), but his movement off the ball could prove pivotal against Monza's organized backline.
Conversely, Monza boasts powerful attacking options like Samuele Birindelli, whose goal-scoring touch was on display against Carrarese. Also watch for veteran striker Andrea Petagna, who remains capable of breaking down defenses at critical moments-a feature evidenced by his ability to create mismatches within penalty areas this season.
The most intriguing tactical battle will revolve around midfield control-the duels between Modena's Gady Beyuku and Monza's Pedro Obiang will set the rhythm of play and determine which team can maintain or reclaim possession efficiently.
Statistical Insight
Let's hone in on some compelling statistics that could dictate how this match unfolds. While both teams possess impressive passing percentages-Modena at approximately 80% compared to Monza's elite 85%-the key statistic might actually lie in defensive actions: Monza excels at winning duels (notably around an average of 17 successful duels per game) while Modena has shown weakness in defense (with more than half their recent fouls coming due to clumsy tackling).
Moreover, consider expected goals metrics-a crucial predictor for future scoring trends. While neither team has exhibited particularly high xG ratios recently due largely to wasted opportunities or excellent goalkeeping performances against them (like what we saw from Chichizola during matches against Cesena), Modena must find ways to convert higher percentages of expected goals into actual tallies if they want any shot at making up ground here.
Based on statistical analysis highlighting effective attacking prowess versus faltering defenses among these teams paired with confidence levels rooted firmly within recent form-it becomes apparent that Monza should enter this match not merely as favorites but rather almost expected victors unless something remarkable occurs from an oft-inconsistent Modena side.
In summary? This Serie B showdown teeters precariously upon not just positioning within league standings but also narratives surrounding individual aspirations crafted throughout grueling campaigns thus far-with success leaning toward whichever side can implement its tactics effectively while countering adversarial strengths resolutely. Expect fireworks courtesy of strikers hoping dearly for redemption!
As such I predict a thrilling contest ultimately tipping towards Monza emerging victorious by a narrow margin: expect them clinching a result somewhere along the lines of 2-1 that cements their position further up the ladder-and sends ripples through Serie B's title race!