Torino FC @ AS Monaco - March 2, 2025

As a retired coach, I’ve seen my fair share of pivotal matches that shape the trajectory of a season. This Sunday, we bear witness to a crucial encounter in Serie A as Monza takes on Torino F.C. Both teams find themselves in markedly different situations, with Monza languishing at the bottom of the table and Torino fighting to establish some consistency in mid-table.

Monza, currently sitting in an unfortunate 20th place with a record of 2 wins, 8 draws, and 16 losses, is grappling with a string of poor performances. Their last outing resulted in a damaging 4-0 defeat against A.S. Roma. While results like these undoubtedly sting, there’s much to consider here. Losses of this nature can alter the psyche of a team; morale could dip even further, or, conversely, they could spur a sense of urgency to turn things around in front of home fans. The key for Monza will be showing resilience and perhaps shifting their tactical approach to something more defensively sound to shore up what has been an unraveling backline.

On the other side of the pitch, we have Torino F.C., who currently sits 11th in the table with a record of 7 wins, 10 draws, and 9 losses. They recently clinched a notable 2-1 victory against AC Milan, showcasing that they can indeed compete with some of the top teams in the league. This kind of win offers a psychological boost and puts them in a confident frame of mind heading into a clash with Monza, whose struggles have been well-documented. For Torino, the goal is to build upon the momentum gained from that victory and solidify their position before the season heads into the final stretch.

In terms of tactical approaches, Torino is likely to maintain a disciplined formation, looking to exploit Monza’s defensive vulnerabilities. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack will be crucial in taking advantage of any spaces left in Monza’s lineup. I anticipate we may see them employing a high press to force errors from their opponents and capitalize on quick turnovers.

Conversely, Monza will need to summon a strong performance. They might consider a more conservative formation, such as a 4-2-3-1, to bolster their defense. Keeping it tight at the back while relying on quick counters could be their best bet. The goal will be to win individual battles and regain possession effectively, which has been easier said than done this season.

With the opening odds leaning slightly in favor of Torino, I can picture a matchup in which they dominate possession and create more chances. However, desperation can be a great motivator, one that Monza might harness to create an upset.

I predict a closely-fought contest, with Torino taking the lead but Monza pushing back, perhaps resulting in a hard-fought draw at the end of the day. If Monza finds resolve within themselves, they can make this game competitive, but Torino’s recent form suggests it could be their match to win.

Expect fireworks as both teams need points for different reasons—Torino for stability and Monza for survival. In the unpredictable world of football, anything is possible, and that’s what makes this game truly compelling. As I always say, “It’s not about what happens on the pitch; it’s about how you respond to it.”