CLUB SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | AC Monza |
| League | Serie A |
| Manager | Ivan Jurić |
| Stadium | U-Power Stadium |
| Nickname | I Biancorossi (The White and Reds) |
| Founded | 1912 |
| Defensive Leader | Andrea Carboni |
| Key Full-Backs | Samuele Birindelli, Ricardo Mangas |
| Emerging Defender | Eddy Kouadio |
The Defining Moment
Monza’s defensive unit in 2026/27 has been defined by a statistic that Ivan Jurić has been unable to escape: the second-worst defence in Serie A.
The defining moment came not in a single match, but in the accumulation of goals conceded. After eleven rounds, Monza had shipped 22 goals—a rate of 2.44 per game that placed them 18th in the defensive standings. The team had kept just one clean sheet all season, a 4-0 victory over Cagliari in October. The defensive frailties that had been masked by an eighth-ranked attack were suddenly exposed. By the November international break, Monza sat 16th in the table with seven points from nine matches, their goal difference a dismal -6.
The defining response has been pragmatic rather than revolutionary. Jurić has rotated his centre-backs constantly, shifted his full-backs, and experimented with different formations—including a three-man midfield designed to provide greater protection for the backline. The arrival of young defenders like Eddy Kouadio and the emergence of Saba Goglichidze have given Jurić options, but the cohesion has remained elusive. The injury to Jan Ziolkowski, the club’s most valuable defender, has compounded the problem.
This is the story of Monza’s 2026/27 defenders: a unit built on youth and pragmatism, tested by injury, and still searching for the stability that would turn a relegation battle into survival.
Tactical Context
Jurić’s Monza is a team caught between two identities. The Croatian coach wants his side to be compact, disciplined, and difficult to break down. But the personnel available have forced him to field a backline that is young, inexperienced, and prone to the kind of individual errors that define relegation seasons.
The numbers reflect a defence under siege. Monza have faced 13.7 shots per match, the sixth-most in the division, and their expected goals against (xGA) figures suggest that the actual goals conceded are broadly in line with the quality of chances allowed. The problem is not luck—it is structure. The defensive line has been pulled apart by quick vertical passes, and the lack of a settled centre-back partnership has prevented the kind of automatic understanding that keeps teams organised.
Jurić has responded by experimenting with a three-man midfield, aiming to shield the defence with an extra body. The return of Ziolkowski from a heel spur injury will provide a timely boost, offering a physical presence and a calming influence that the current options lack. But until the defence is settled, Monza will continue to leak goals.
The Centre-Backs
Andrea Carboni
Carboni has been the most consistent presence in Monza’s defence, starting eight of the club’s first nine league matches and accumulating 659 minutes—the most of any defender in the squad. The 25-year-old Italian, who stands at 187 cm, offers a left-footed option at centre-back and a physical presence in the air.
His profile is that of a developing defender: aggressive in the duel, comfortable in possession, and capable of stepping into midfield. He has recorded five clearances and one tackle won in his appearances, reflecting a defender who is involved in the physical battle. But the lack of a settled partner has prevented him from establishing the kind of rhythm that a centre-back needs.
At 25, Carboni is entering his prime. He has the attributes to become a reliable Serie A defender, but he needs stability around him. Whether he gets it at Monza remains to be seen.
Eddy Kouadio
Kouadio has been the breakthrough defender of Monza’s season. The 20-year-old Italian, who stands at 187 cm, has started seven of his eight league appearances and accumulated 638 minutes—the second-most of any defender in the squad.
His profile is that of a modern, athletic centre-back: quick, strong in the air, and capable of defending large spaces. He has recorded two assists and two yellow cards, reflecting a player who is involved in both phases of the game. His pre-season performances earned him a starting role, and he has largely justified Jurić’s faith.
At 20, Kouadio is still developing. His reading of the game and his positioning have been questioned in moments of pressure, but his trajectory is encouraging. He represents the future of Monza’s defence.
Lorenzo Lucchesi
Lucchesi has been a regular presence in the defence, starting seven of his eight league appearances and accumulating 513 minutes. The 23-year-old Italian, who stands at 187 cm, offers a composed, ball-playing presence at centre-back.
His profile is that of a developing defender: comfortable in possession, capable of stepping into midfield, and reliable in the tackle. He has recorded one assist and two yellow cards, reflecting a player who is involved in the attacking phases. His season was briefly disrupted by suspension, but he remains a key part of Jurić’s rotation.
At 23, Lucchesi has time to develop. Whether he can establish himself as a long-term starter remains to be seen, but his performances have been encouraging.
Jan Ziolkowski
Ziolkowski is Monza’s most valuable defender, but his season has been disrupted by injury. The 21-year-old Polish centre-back, who is valued at €12 million, has been sidelined with a heel spur problem since September. His absence has been a significant blow to a defence that lacks experience and physical presence.
When fit, Ziolkowski offers a commanding presence at centre-back: tall, strong in the air, and capable of defending large spaces. His return after the international break will provide a timely boost to a defence that has struggled without him.
Saba Goglichidze
Goglichidze has been a squad option in Monza’s defence, making three appearances and accumulating 234 minutes. The 22-year-old Georgian, who stands at 190 cm, offers a physical presence and a willingness to engage in duels.
His profile is that of a developing centre-back: tall, athletic, and eager to learn. At his age, he needs regular football to progress, but the competition for places at Monza is fierce.
Valentin Antov & Adam Bakoune
Antov and Bakoune provide depth at centre-back and full-back respectively. Both have made limited appearances but offer squad options in a season where rotation has been constant.
The Full-Backs
Samuele Birindelli
Birindelli has been Monza’s most consistent full-back, making eight appearances and accumulating 714 minutes—the most of any defender in the squad. The 26-year-old Italian, who can play at right-back or wing-back, has contributed two assists and two yellow cards.
His profile is that of a modern, attack-minded full-back: quick, technically gifted, and capable of delivering quality into the box. His 6.5 average rating reflects a player who has performed at a respectable level despite the instability around him.
At 26, Birindelli is in his prime. He has the experience and the quality to be a reliable option in a relegation battle.
Ricardo Mangas
Mangas has been the first-choice left-back, making eight appearances and accumulating 621 minutes. The 28-year-old Portuguese, who stands at 179 cm, offers a reliable defensive presence and a willingness to support the attack.
His profile is that of a traditional full-back: disciplined in his positioning, capable in the tackle, and willing to support the attack when required. His 6.6 average rating reflects a player who has performed at a consistent level despite the chaos around him.
At 28, Mangas is in his prime. He is not the long-term future of Monza’s defence, but he is a dependable short-term option.
Yvan Maye
Maye has been a squad option at full-back, making three appearances and accumulating 54 minutes. His season has been disrupted by muscular problems, limiting his involvement.
Adam Bakoune
Bakoune has been a squad option, making six appearances and accumulating 187 minutes. The 20-year-old offers energy and potential, but he is not yet a regular starter.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: Monza Defender Serie A Statistics (2026/27)
| Player | Apps (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrea Carboni | 8 (8) | 659 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Samuele Birindelli | 8 (8) | 714 | 0 | 2 | 6.5 |
| Ricardo Mangas | 8 (8) | 621 | 0 | 0 | 6.6 |
| Eddy Kouadio | 8 (7) | 638 | 0 | 2 | 6.4 |
| Lorenzo Lucchesi | 7 (7) | 513 | 0 | 1 | 6.3 |
| Saba Goglichidze | 3 (2) | 234 | 0 | 0 | 7.0 |
TABLE B: Monza Defensive Record (Serie A 2026/27)
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Goals Conceded | 22 | After 9 matches |
| Goals Conceded per Game | 2.44 | Second-worst in Serie A |
| Clean Sheets | 1 | vs Cagliari |
| League Position | 16th | 7 points from 9 matches |
| Set-Piece Goals Conceded | 10 | Worst in the league |
TABLE C: Defender Career Context & Pedigree
| Player | Nationality | Previous Clubs | Style Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrea Carboni | Italy | — | Left-footed, physical, developing |
| Eddy Kouadio | Italy | — | Athletic, aerial, developing |
| Lorenzo Lucchesi | Italy | — | Composed, ball-playing, positional |
| Jan Ziolkowski | Poland | — | Commanding, aerial, experienced |
| Samuele Birindelli | Italy | — | Attack-minded, crossing, dynamic |
| Ricardo Mangas | Portugal | — | Defensively solid, disciplined, reliable |
Tactical Identity & Squad Balance
Monza’s defensive unit is a reflection of the club’s broader predicament. A squad assembled on a limited budget, reliant on young players and loans, is fighting for its Serie A life. The defenders are not the sole problem—they are a symptom of a team that has been outmatched in structure and experience.
The numbers tell a story of a defence that has been overwhelmed. Twenty-two goals conceded in nine matches is a rate that would relegate most teams, and the set-piece record—ten goals conceded from dead balls, the worst in the division—points to a fundamental lack of organisation and leadership. Jurić has acknowledged the issue, speaking of the need for “more balance” and a “three-man midfield” to provide greater protection for the backline.
The return of Ziolkowski from injury will provide a timely boost, offering a physical presence and a calming influence that the current options lack. But until the defence is settled, Monza will continue to leak goals.
The January window may offer an opportunity to add experience, but the club’s financial constraints make significant investment unlikely. For now, Jurić must work with what he has: a defence built on youth and pragmatism, still searching for the stability that would turn a relegation battle into survival.
The Verdict from the Camp
Ivan Jurić, Monza head coach:
“There are many young boys who can improve a lot, especially in the perception of danger that is now missing.”
Quotidiano Sportivo on Monza’s defensive struggles:
“The team of Juric has the second-worst defence in the championship, but also the eighth-best attack and a tenth place in the expected goals ranking… The Biancorossi play well, build a lot, concretize less than they should and then suffer, often decisively. To save themselves, all this is not enough.”
On set-pieces:
“Monza, with 10 goals conceded from dead balls, is the worst team in the championship.”
Where Next?
Monza’s defensive priority is survival. The club sits 16th in Serie A, and the gap to safety is precarious. Carboni and Kouadio must find a way to produce the kind of performances that keep a team in the division—the clean sheets, the composed defending, the leadership that a backline needs.
The longer-term question is the defensive succession. Carboni and Kouadio are developing, but they need time and stability. Ziolkowski is the most valuable asset but his fitness is unreliable. Lucchesi and Goglichidze are squad options rather than solutions. The club may need to revisit the market in January, regardless of their league status.
For now, Monza have a defence built on youth and pragmatism. The record books show a team that is conceding goals at an alarming rate. The challenge for Jurić is to find a way to organise his backline—and to give his young defenders the platform to become the heroes of a great escape.
