AC Milan's disappointing season culminated last week with the two crushing defeats that killed their chances of making it to Europe. There will be no European football for Milan next season, just like Monza will not be in Serie A.
Failing to beat Monza on Saturday will confirm Milan's worst season in over a decade. The Rossoneri are a whole five points below Lazio in 6th place with one match to go. They could have entered the Europa League through the back door by winning Coppa Italia but the reality is Milan never showed up for that final. Their performance was horrendous, and they never deserved to win the trophy.
Across the pitch stand Monza, who got relegated months ago. The Biancorossi accumulated only 18 points in 37 rounds to date, including a 28:67 goal difference. There was never any doubt they would be the first to get relegated, and with this, their three-year stint in the elite will end.
How the bookies view it: Extremely one-sided odds
With 25 defeats in 37 rounds, Monza are used to being underdogs, but the odds for this fixture border on the extreme. Bookmakers estimated Milan's chances at just 1/5, while you can pick Monza at 10/1. Lastly, the draw is also available at 6/1.
Recent head to head: Monza gave it their best
Monza spent the last three years in the elite, facing AC Milan a total of five times in official matches. As you'd expect, the Rossoneri have the H2H advantage, with four wins in those five meetings. But we have to note that Monza also had their moments, like that 4-2 at home last February.
Players to watch: One last time for Reijnders?
AC Milan need to sign a world-class striker if they want to be more competitive next season. The situation is this bad, that it is almost impossible to bet on a goalscorer from their current line-up. But given that Tijjani Reijnders appears to be close to a transfer, he might show up and give his price tag a boost with a stellar performance against Monza. Moreover, he already scored twice against the Biancorossi in the last three H2Hs.
Probable line-ups
AC Milan: Maignan, Pavlovic, Gabbia, Tomori, Musah, Loftus-Cheek, Jimenez, Reijnders, Pulisic, Leao, Jovic
Monza: Pizzignacco, Pedro Pereira, Brorsson, Caldirola, Akpa Akpro, Kyriakopoulos, Bianco, Castrovilli, Birindelli, Balde, Caprari
Anything else catch the eye?
This will be a tough night for Milan, despite the fact that they will be playing at home at San Siro. The team's most notorious ultras groups announced they will leave the stadium at the 15th minute, to protest against players and management. And even if the Rossoneri win, it will not change the factthat they are out of Europe for the first time in nine years.
Nevertheless, we expect Milan to come out and send Monza to Serie B with an outright win. Perhaps the Biancorossi can answer with at least one goal, especially given that Milan conceded at least once in nine of their last 10 home matches.
GambleAware