Cagliari take nine-point advantage into Monza clash

Cagliari arrive at Monza nine points ahead after six Serie A games, putting the pressure on the 15th-placed hosts to respond. The visitors are sixth on 13 points; Monza have four and have lost four of their opening six matches.

The recent league form backs up that gap. Cagliari have won four, drawn one and lost one, with their latest result a 1-1 draw away to Juventus. They have also beaten Udinese, Atalanta and Lecce in their recent run, with their only defeat in that sequence coming against Hellas Verona in the Coppa Italia.

Monza’s latest outing was a 3-1 defeat to Lazio. Calciomercato.com reports that they have lost three of their last five league games, with a 2-1 win over Sassuolo among the results in that stretch. They need points to improve their position, while Cagliari can strengthen their early-season standing near the top of the table.

The hosts have a long list of absences to manage. Calciomercato.com lists Matteo Pessina, Jan Ziolkowski, Patrick Ciurria, Idrissa Toure and Omari Forson as injured, while Lorenzo Lucchesi is suspended. Patrick Cutrone is expected to lead the attack. The outlet’s predicted Monza side also includes Toernqvist, Kouadio, Goglichidze, Carboni, Mangas, Robinson, Folorunsho, Akinsanmiro, Birindelli and Varela.

Cagliari’s injury absences are Riyad Idrissi, Mattia Felici and Yael Trepy. Daniel Maldini, who has one league goal in one appearance this season, is named as an attacking reference, while Paul Mendy is highlighted for his growing performances. Calciomercato.com predicts Caprile in goal, with Ze Pedro, Juan Rodríguez, Yerry Mina and Adam Obert in defence. Maldini, Winks, Adopo, Romano, Deiola and Mendy are tipped to complete the side.

The recent league head-to-head is evenly balanced: two wins apiece and one draw across the last five meetings. Cagliari won the latest, 3-0 at home on March 30, 2025.

Monza and Cagliari meet at the Stadio Brianteo on Monday, October 19, at 18:30 CEST. DAZN is listed as the broadcaster. For Monza, the immediate task is to turn a difficult start into points; Cagliari have a chance to protect their strong opening.