As the 2023/24 Serie A season draws to a close, Juventus and Monza prepare to face off in the final game on Sunday. The match holds significance for both clubs, albeit for different reasons. Juventus, currently 4th in the league with 67 points from 36 games, have had a season far below their lofty standards. Monza, sitting in 12th place with 45 points from 37 games, have had a solid but somewhat disappointing campaign compared to their previous season.
Date: 25/05/2024
Kick-off time: 17:00
Location: Allianz Stadium
Juventus, a club with a storied history and high expectations, have experienced a season that has been nothing short of disappointing. With 67 points from 36 games, they find themselves in 4th place, a far cry from their usual position near the top of the table. The gap between them and the champions, Inter, is a staggering 26 points, highlighting the gulf in class and consistency that Juventus have struggled with this season.
Despite their struggles in the league, Juventus did manage to secure the Coppa Italia with a narrow 1-0 victory over Atalanta. However, this triumph was overshadowed by the sacking of their manager, Massimiliano Allegri, following the final. Allegri's dismissal came after he was sent off late in the match for an outburst at the officials and was seen dismissively waving away the club's sporting director during the celebrations. While Allegri's departure was widely anticipated at the end of the season, the manner in which his tenure concluded was undoubtedly bitter.
Under Allegri's management, Juventus have not been able to meet the high expectations set for them. The club's performance in Serie A has been inconsistent, with several lacklustre displays that have left fans and critics alike questioning the direction in which the team is heading. Despite the challenges, there have been standout performers for Juventus this season. Striker Dušan Vlahović has been a bright spot, netting 18 goals and proving to be a crucial player in their attacking line-up. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot has also impressed, providing stability and creativity in the midfield.
Monza, on the other hand, have had a season of regression. Currently 12th in Serie A with 45 points from 37 games, they have not been able to replicate the success of last season, where they accumulated 52 points. While a drop in performance was somewhat expected, given the challenges of maintaining consistency in a competitive league, Monza have still shown glimpses of their potential.
Managed by Raffaele Palladino, Monza have struggled both defensively and offensively this season. They have conceded 49 goals in 37 games, a statistic that highlights their defensive frailties. Going forward, they have been equally poor, scoring just 39 times in the same number of matches. These shortcomings have contributed to their inability to climb higher in the league standings.
However, Monza can take some positives from their season. They have remained competitive and, with a victory against Juventus, they could end the season just four points shy of their previous campaign's total. This shows that while they have regressed, they are not far off from being a solid mid-table team in Serie A.
The history between Juventus and Monza is relatively recent, with only four competitive encounters between the two sides, all occurring in the last two years. Interestingly, the matches have been evenly contested, with each team winning two games. In their meeting earlier this season, Juventus emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. This balance in their head-to-head record adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming clash, as both teams will be eager to assert their dominance.
For Juventus, Dušan Vlahović will be the key player to watch. The Serbian striker has been in fine form this season, and his goal-scoring prowess will be vital if Juventus are to secure a win. Vlahović's ability to find the back of the net, coupled with his physical presence, makes him a constant threat to opposition defences. Adrien Rabiot will also play a crucial role in the midfield, providing the necessary link between defence and attack.
Juventus' interim manager, Paolo Montero, following Allegri's sacking, will need to rally the team and ensure they end the season on a high. The tactical approach might involve a more attacking mindset, given the defensive weaknesses Monza have shown throughout the season. A high press and quick transitions could be the key to unlocking Monza's defence.
Monza, under Raffaele Palladino, will look to exploit any vulnerabilities in Juventus' setup. While their defensive record is poor, they have shown resilience in patches and will need to be compact and organised to withstand Juventus' attacking threats. Offensively, Monza will need to be clinical with their chances, as opportunities may be limited against a Juventus side looking to dominate possession.
For Juventus, this match is an opportunity to finish the season on a positive note after a tumultuous campaign. Securing a win would not only consolidate their position in the top four but also provide a morale boost heading into the off-season. The club will be looking to rebuild and come back stronger next season, and a victory against Monza could be the first step in that direction.
Monza, meanwhile, will be aiming to end their season on a high. A win against a top team like Juventus would be a significant achievement and could provide the confidence boost needed for the next campaign. It would also allow them to finish closer to their points total from last season, demonstrating progress and resilience despite the challenges faced.
The final game of the Serie A season between Juventus and Monza promises to be an intriguing encounter. Juventus, a club with high expectations, will be looking to salvage some pride after a disappointing season. Monza, a team that has shown potential but fallen short of last season's heights, will be eager to prove their capabilities against a top side.
While the match may not have significant implications for the league standings, it holds considerable importance for both teams.
Serie A 
