In their most recent Serie A encounters, Napoli has maintained a strong upper hand against Monza, including a 2-0 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in September 2024 and a 1-0 away win in April 2025. Historically, Napoli holds the advantage with 9 total wins compared to Monza’s 3 in all competitions, though the matchup has become increasingly competitive since Monza’s promotion to the top flight in 2022. This guide explores the tactical evolution of both sides, key player battles, and essential fan information for those attending or watching from home.
The clash between SSC Napoli and AC Monza represents a fascinating contrast in Italian football: a historic powerhouse from the south against a rapidly rising club from the Lombardy region. While Napoli seeks to maintain its status among Italy’s elite, Monza has transitioned from a provincial side into a consistent Serie A mid-table presence. In the following sections, we provide a deep dive into the statistics, venue details, and historical context that define this modern Italian fixture.
Recent Head-to-Head Statistics
The recent history between these two clubs favors the Neapolitans, though Monza has proven they can cause upsets on their day. In the 2024/25 season, Napoli completed a domestic double over Monza, securing six points without conceding a single goal across both fixtures.
Statistical analysis shows that Napoli typically dominates possession in this fixture, often exceeding 60%. Conversely, Monza tends to rely on a compact defensive structure and quick transitions, a strategy that famously earned them a 2-0 victory against the then-champions Napoli in May 2023.
Historical Context and Rivalry
While not a traditional “derby,” the Napoli vs Monza fixture has gained significance due to the ambitious nature of the Monza project under the late Silvio Berlusconi. The clubs first met in Serie B during the 1960s, but the rivalry only entered the national spotlight recently.
One of the most memorable historical meetings occurred in the 1989/90 Coppa Italia, where Napoli eventually triumphed 10-9 on penalties after a hard-fought draw. Since Monza’s arrival in Serie A in 2022, the intensity has increased, as both clubs often compete for similar tactical space in the middle of the pitch.
Key Players to Watch
For Napoli, the attacking trio led by Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains the primary threat. Kvaratskhelia, in particular, has a strong record against Monza, having scored three goals in his first few appearances against Brianzoli.
Monza’s resistance often begins with their goalkeeper and the leadership of defenders like Luca Caldirola. In midfield, players like Matteo Pessina are crucial for retaining the ball under the high-pressing system typically employed by Napoli managers at the Maradona.
Tactical Matchup Analysis
Napoli usually deploys a 4-3-3 or a flexible 3-4-2-1 formation designed to stretch the opposition wide and utilize their wingers’ pace. This system focuses on verticality and finding the “half-spaces” between the opposition’s wing-backs and center-backs.
Monza often counters with a 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 setup, prioritizing a crowded midfield to stifle Napoli’s playmakers. Their tactical success in this fixture usually depends on their ability to prevent Napoli’s full-backs from overlapping and delivering crosses into the box.
Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples is one of Europe’s most atmospheric venues, boasting a capacity of over 54,000. It serves as a fortress for Napoli, where they are statistically much harder to beat than when playing away.
The stadium features an Olympic-style running track, which can distance the fans from the pitch, yet the “Curva” sections remain legendary for their noise and pyrotechnic displays. For Monza players, the intimidation factor of the Neapolitan crowd is a significant hurdle to overcome.
Venue: U-Power Stadium (Monza)
In Monza, matches are held at the U-Power Stadium (Stadio Brianteo), a more intimate venue with a capacity of approximately 18,500. This smaller scale allows Monza fans to create a “pressure cooker” environment that has rattled several big teams.
The pitch at the U-Power Stadium is widely regarded as one of the best-maintained surfaces in Serie A. Its compact dimensions favor teams that are well-organized defensively and can transition from defense to attack in a matter of seconds.
Napoli’s Record at Home
Napoli is historically undefeated at home against Monza in Serie A fixtures. Their dominance in Naples is characterized by high scoring margins, including a 4-0 thrashing of Monza during the 2022/23 season.
Data from the last five home games shows that Napoli tends to score early in this fixture, often leading within the first 30 minutes. This puts immediate pressure on Monza to abandon their defensive shape, which frequently leads to further goals on the counter.
Monza’s Underdog Potential
Despite the disparity in budget and history, Monza has shown they can compete with the “Seven Sisters” of Italian football. Their 2-0 win in May 2023 remains their benchmark performance against Napoli, showcasing tactical discipline and clinical finishing.
Monza’s recruitment strategy focuses on experienced Italian players who understand the nuances of Serie A. This veteran presence often helps them maintain composure during high-pressure away fixtures at venues like the Maradona.
Live Streaming and TV Channels
In the United States, Serie A matches are primarily broadcast on Paramount+ and the CBS Golazo Network. For UK viewers, the rights are typically held by TNT Sports, with highlights available on their official YouTube channels.
For fans in Italy, DAZN remains the primary broadcaster for all 10 Serie A matches per round. Additionally, some high-profile Saturday night fixtures are co-broadcast by Sky Italia, providing multiple viewing options for domestic fans.
Practical Information and Planning
Ticket Prices and Buying
- Napoli Home Matches: Tickets usually range from €25 in the Curva to over €150 for Tribuna Posillipo.
- Monza Home Matches: Prices start at approximately €20 for the Curva Sud and can go up to €100 for VIP seating.
- Where to Buy: Always use official club websites (sscnapoli.it or acmonza.com) or authorized vendors like TicketOne to avoid scams.
Transportation to Stadiums
- Napoli: Take the Metro Line 2 to the “Campi Flegrei” station or the Cumana railway to “Mostra.”
- Monza: The stadium is accessible via shuttle buses from the Monza FS train station on matchdays.
What to Expect
Fans should expect rigorous security checks including ID verification (the name on the ticket must match your passport or ID). Arriving at least 90 minutes before kickoff is highly recommended to avoid long queues at the turnstiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more games between Napoli and Monza?
Napoli has won 9 of the 18 total meetings across all competitions, while Monza has secured 3 wins, with 6 matches ending in a draw.
Where can I watch Napoli vs Monza in the UK?
In the UK, the match is usually broadcast live on TNT Sports. You can also stream it via the Discovery+ app with a premium subscription.
How much are tickets for a match at the Maradona?
Standard tickets for Napoli home games generally start at €30 for the Curva and go up based on the category of the opponent and the seat location.
What was the score of the last Napoli vs Monza match?
The most recent encounter on April 19, 2025, ended in a 1-0 victory for Napoli, with Scott McTominay scoring the winning goal.
Does Monza have a chance of beating Napoli away?
While Monza has beaten Napoli at home, they have historically struggled at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where Napoli remains undefeated against them in Serie A.
Which Napoli player has scored the most against Monza?
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been one of the most productive players in this fixture, netting three goals in his first few league games against Monza.
Is the U-Power Stadium easy to reach from Milan?
Yes, Monza is a short train ride (about 15-20 minutes) from Milan Central or Milan Porta Garibaldi stations, followed by a short bus ride to the stadium.
Are there any former Napoli players currently at Monza?
The rosters change frequently, but Monza has often signed former Napoli players or staff; always check the current season’s squad list for recent transfers like Andrea Petagna.
Do I need a “Fan Card” (Tessera del Tifoso) to buy tickets?
For high-risk matches or away sections, a Fan Card may be required. However, for most general sale home tickets, a standard ID is usually sufficient.
Is alcohol sold inside the stadium?
In Italian stadiums, low-alcohol beer is sometimes sold, but regulations often change based on the security level assigned to the specific match.
What is the capacity of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona?
The stadium currently holds approximately 54,726 spectators, making it the third-largest stadium in Italy.
When was Monza first promoted to Serie A?
Monza achieved their first-ever promotion to Serie A at the end of the 2021/2022 season after winning the Serie B playoffs.
Final Thoughts
The fixture between Napoli and Monza has rapidly evolved from a sporadic meeting in the lower leagues to a high-stakes Serie A showdown. While Napoli remains the dominant force historically, the 2024/25 season underscored the widening gap between the two sides as they trended in opposite directions. Napoli’s clinical 2-0 and 1-0 victories during that campaign reflected a team revitalized and chasing the Scudetto, while Monza struggled with consistency, ultimately facing relegation to Serie B by the end of 2025.
As we look toward 2026, the rivalry enters a period of hiatus in league play, with Monza currently competing in the second tier. However, the blueprint for their future meetings remains clear: Napoli will likely continue their tactical dominance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, while Monza looks to rebuild their “giant-killer” reputation. For fans and analysts alike, this matchup remains a fascinating case study in how tactical discipline can challenge traditional footballing powerhouses.
For more lifestyle Sports and cultural insights, explore our latest features:
SPL Fixtures: The Ultimate Guide to the Scottish Premiership Schedule
Jacob Bethell: England’s Rising Multi-Format Cricket Sensation
AFCON Results: Latest 2025/26 Scores, Standings, and Match Summaries
AFCON Schedule: Complete Guide and Match Timelines
To Read More: Manchester Independent