Monza’s mission is to make an immediate return to Serie A and Patrick Ciurria is confident they are on the right track.

The Biancorossi visit Avellino in the first match following the international break, having beaten Mantova in their Serie B opener before drawing at Bari.

Forward Ciurria said: “There are ambitions after the difficult last season and the club has shown it this year, by keeping players who would have liked to play in Serie A. We want to play as protagonists in this championship.”

Monza did shed the squad of several big earners after finishing bottom of the top flight yet there is more than enough quality for the Lombardy side to make an instant return to the big time.

But boss Paolo Bianco has asked the supporters to play their part too.

He said: “To have a good season, everyone is needed, especially the fans. Championships are won with the chemistry between team and fans. We need them, it’s up to us to reciprocate all this affection.”

Ciurria, who was speaking after picking up a Premio Fair Play award this week, has felt the love already.

The 30-year-old said: “I want to thank the fans because after a year as difficult as last year, to welcome us like they welcomed us, it is a beautiful relationship. Together with my team-mates, together with the club, we’ll do everything to bring Monza back to where it deserves to be.”

One of the players who did remain was Matteo Pessina. The midfielder admitted he could have left to play in European competition but in an open letter to fans said: “I’m happy to be here. This city and this jersey run through my veins.”

Pessina, Keita Balde and Dany Mota, who scored at Bari, could well be major figures for Bianco this season. Although there will be a careful approach with Balde.

“I hope Mota is a true nine and not a false nine,” said Bianco. “Keita is training well, but he doesn’t have 90 minutes in the legs. We have to manage him.”

For Avellino, one point from two games in their first Serie B campaign since 2018 is not too bad considering the defeat by Frosinone and draw with Modena were both away from home while work was carried out at the Stadio Partenio.

The 1-1 draw in Emilia-Romagna would have lifted confidence for Raffaele Biancolino and his players. However, they will still be without the services of summer arrival Gennaro Tutino, signed on loan from Sampdoria despite being out since the beginning of the year with a broken ankle.

“He’s not available, he’s not yet in the squad, and we don’t know his recovery time,” said the manager. “It’s a somewhat unusual situation, but what I know is that he’s not available. 

“He’s not having a great time, and I don’t know how long he’ll be out. It’s not a small matter.”

One player who is available is Tommaso Biasci, who joined this summer from Catanzaro.

“He’s a top-class player, who knows how to link up with the attacking midfield and the striker,” said Biancolino. “He’s someone who attacks the depth, a player with different characteristics than other attackers we have.”

Biancolino is relishing the chance to play on their own patch. He added: “Thanks to our fans, this is our home and it must be our strength. We must treasure everything our fans do; they must be the extra push, and we must rely on them.

“On paper, Monza is a superior team; we must show something extra in terms of grit, character, and determination.”

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