The Dacia Arena in Udine prepares to host a intriguing clash between Udinese and newly-promoted Como on Sunday evening. This match pits a resurgent Udinese side against an ambitious Como team looking to establish themselves in Italy’s top flight.
Udinese, under the guidance of new manager Kosta Runjaic, have made an impressive start to the 2024-25 campaign. Unbeaten in their opening two league fixtures, the Bianconeri have shown signs of the resilience that helped them avoid relegation last season. Their most recent outing saw them upset Lazio with a 2-1 victory, despite playing the latter stages with 10 men.
The Friulani’s strong start is not limited to Serie A. A convincing 4-0 win over Avellino in the Coppa Italia further underlines their positive momentum. This run of form has extended Udinese’s unbeaten streak to seven league matches, their best such run in almost two years.
Runjaic’s impact has been immediate, with the team showing a more attacking intent compared to last season’s draw-heavy approach. The forward duo of Lorenzo Lucca and Florian Thauvin have been particularly impressive, with both finding the net against Lazio. Lucca, in particular, has been in fine form, contributing to four goals in his last six appearances across all competitions.
Como, on the other hand, are still finding their feet in Serie A after a 20-year absence. Under the stewardship of former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the Lariani have ambitious plans to establish themselves as a top-flight force. However, their return to Serie A has been challenging thus far, with just one point from their opening two fixtures.
The club’s wealthy owners have made significant investments in the squad, bringing in high-profile names such as Raphael Varane, Pepe Reina, and Sergi Roberto. These additions, coupled with the arrival of experienced striker Andrea Belotti, demonstrate Como’s intent to do more than merely survive in Serie A.
Historically, Como have struggled in Udine, never having won a top-flight match there in nine attempts. This statistic adds another layer of challenge to their task on Sunday, but also provides an opportunity to make a statement of intent.
Team News
In terms of team news, Udinese will be without the suspended Hassane Kamara, while new signing Alexis Sanchez is not expected to feature until after the international break. Como have their own injury concerns, with Raphael Varane sidelined due to a knee injury sustained shortly after his arrival.
The clash at the Dacia Arena promises to be an intriguing battle between Udinese’s resurgent form and Como’s ambitious project. Udinese will be looking to continue their strong start and potentially secure back-to-back Serie A victories for the first time since March 2023. Como, meanwhile, will be eager to claim their first win of the season and begin justifying the significant investment made in their squad.
As the sun sets on Udine this Sunday evening, all eyes will be on the Dacia Arena to see whether Udinese can maintain their momentum or if Como can spring a surprise and announce their arrival in Serie A in emphatic fashion.
Expected Starting XI’s
Udinese: Okoye; Perez, Bijol, Giannetti; Ehizibue, Payero, Karlstrom, Zemura; Thauvin, Brenner; Lucca
Como: Reina; Iovine, Goldaniga, Dossena, Moreno; Mazzitelli, Perrone; Strefezza, Cutrone, Da Cunha; Belotti
