Parma go into Parma vs Monza with 0 goals and 0 points from their opening two Serie A fixtures. They have managed only five shots on target this season, which is a thin base for Carlos Cuesta's side as they try to stop the slide after a 2-0 home defeat to Serie B side Cremonese in midweek.

Monza have not been any steadier. They have lost both of their league matches and conceded seven goals, so Parma are meeting a team that has also looked vulnerable early on. Ivan Juric's side at least have one cup win to calm the mood, but their league start still leaves plenty open.

Parma's attack has not found a way through

The main issue for Parma is not just the blank in the goals column, but how little they are creating. Five shots on target across the league campaign so far is a poor return, and it lines up with the feeling that the front line has not yet settled into the new season.

Sports Mole summed up the matchup neatly: "Parma have failed to score for more than 300 minutes across Serie A and the Coppa Italia, while Monza have leaked lots of league goals so far." That is the basic shape of the game. Parma need a first breakthrough, while Monza have already shown they can give chances away.

Monza's early defensive problems

Monza's seven goals conceded in two league games is the number that gives Parma hope. Even with the away side carrying a cup win in the background, their league form has been too open to feel secure.

Sports Mole also noted that "Back-to-back games against relegation rivals Parma and Lecce may help." That is the run Monza are in now, and it is why this trip matters even before September has properly settled. The result will not settle anything by itself, but it can change the mood for a side already carrying early pressure.

Parma need the first goal they have not found yet, and Monza need to stop handing teams that opening. The fixture is set for 6 September, and both clubs are still waiting for a clean league start.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →