As the 2024-25 Serie A season enters its sixth round, an intriguing matchup awaits at the Bluenergy Stadium where high-flying Udinese host reigning champions Inter Milan. This fixture pits two teams with contrasting fortunes against each other, promising an exciting encounter on Saturday afternoon.
Udinese, under the guidance of Kosta Runjaic, have been one of the surprise packages of the season so far. The Friulani find themselves in third place with 10 points from five matches, just one point behind unlikely leaders Torino. Their impressive start to the campaign was only marred by a 3-0 defeat to Roma last weekend, which ended a nine-match unbeaten streak in Serie A.
However, Udinese quickly bounced back midweek with a convincing 3-1 victory over Salernitana in the Coppa Italia, showcasing their resilience and depth. The hosts have been particularly strong at home, winning all four of their matches at the Bluenergy Stadium across all competitions this season.
On the other hand, Inter Milan arrive in Udine looking to regain their footing after a disappointing Derby della Madonnina loss to AC Milan. The defeat not only cost them the chance to top the Serie A table but also extended their winless run to three matches across all competitions – their longest such streak since April 2023.
Simone Inzaghi’s side currently sit seventh in the standings with eight points, a position unfamiliar to the Nerazzurri faithful. More concerning for Inter is their away form this season, having drawn all three of their matches on the road across all competitions.
Despite their recent struggles, history favors Inter in this fixture. The champions have won six of their last seven Serie A encounters against Udinese, scoring an impressive 19 goals at an average of 2.7 per game. Moreover, Inter have avoided defeat in 10 of their last 11 league visits to Udine, winning eight times.
Team News
Udinese will be without former Inter star Alexis Sanchez, who is yet to feature since his summer return to the club. Midfielder Martin Payero and center-back Lautaro Giannetti are racing against time to overcome minor injuries.
Runjaic is expected to field his strongest eleven after rotating the squad for the midweek cup tie. Florian Thauvin, who has been directly involved in four goals from five league matches, is set to partner Lorenzo Lucca in attack.
For Inter, Nicolo Barella’s thigh injury forces Inzaghi into at least one midfield change, with Piotr Zielinski or Davide Frattesi likely to step in. The Inter boss may also consider further alterations following the derby disappointment, with Mehdi Taremi pushing for a start in attack.
Captain Lautaro Martinez’s goal drought – just one goal in his last 15 club appearances – is a growing concern for the Nerazzurri. The Argentine might find himself under pressure from Taremi for a starting berth alongside Marcus Thuram.
Expected Starting XIs
Udinese: Okoye; Kristensen, Bijol, Giannetti; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Kamara; Brenner, Thauvin; Lucca
Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni; Darmian, Frattesi, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Match Prediction
While Udinese’s home form and Inter’s recent struggles suggest an upset could be on the cards, the champions’ quality and historical dominance in this fixture cannot be overlooked. Expect a closely fought contest with Inter potentially edging it by a narrow margin.
Prediction: Udinese 1-2 Inter
