Monza arrive at the U-Power Stadium with a spring in their step after that 3-0 Coppa Italia romp against Avellino. Ivan Jurić has his side ticking, and the 3-4-2-1 shape is already looking sharp. But here's the thing — that was Serie B opposition. The real test starts now. Monza earned their place back in Serie A the hard way, grinding through the play-offs, beating Juve Stabia and Catanzaro by the skin of their teeth. That tells you everything about their character, but it also tells you they are not used to this level yet. Recent friendlies were a mixed bag — a 3-3 draw with Padova, a 4-2 win over Milan Futuro — so there is quality, but also a leaky edge. They conceded ten in their last five, and that is a worry against a side like Udinese.

Udinese, meanwhile, have already had a taste of Serie A this season. A 1-1 draw with Como at the Bluenergy Stadium in their opener, and before that a 1-0 Coppa Italia win over Calcio Padova. They are unbeaten, they are organised, and they have a settled squad despite losing a few faces. Rising star Atta and key defender Kristensen have moved on, but the core is intact. Solet leads the defence, Vojvoda has slotted straight in at right-back, and Nicolò Zaniolo is pulling the strings behind the striker. That is a serious attacking threat. Udinese look like a team that knows exactly who they are, while Monza are still finding their feet at this level.