Two teams sporting black and white stripes will face off on Saturday evening as Udinese host Juventus in a crucial Serie A clash. The visitors are looking to get their title challenge back on track after some recent stumbles, while the hosts aim to continue their surprisingly strong start to the season.
Juventus enter this match without a win in their last three games across all competitions. After a 1-0 Champions League loss to Stuttgart, they played out a thrilling 4-4 draw with Inter Milan before being held 2-2 at home by Parma in midweek. Those results have seen Thiago Motta’s side slip to third in the table, now seven points behind leaders Napoli.
Udinese, meanwhile, have been one of Serie A’s surprise packages this season under new manager Kosta Runjaic. They currently sit in 7th place, level on points with Lazio, Atalanta and Fiorentina. However, they’re coming off a disappointing 3-2 loss to Venezia in midweek where they squandered a two-goal lead.
Lorenzo Lucca vs. Pierre Kalulu: Udinese’s towering striker has been in fine form this season with 6 goals already. He’ll look to use his physicality against Juve’s makeshift defense, with Kalulu likely tasked with containing him.
Sandi Lovric vs. Manuel Locatelli: The midfield battle could be crucial, with Udinese’s creative force Lovric going up against Juve’s midfield anchor Locatelli. Whoever gains control in the center of the park could dictate the flow of the game.
Dusan Vlahovic vs. Jaka Bijol: Juventus’ main goal threat will be aiming to add to his tally of 6 league goals. Udinese captain Bijol will need to be at his best to keep the Serbian striker quiet.
Juventus have dominated this fixture historically, winning 68 of their 120 Serie A meetings. However, Udinese did secure a shock 1-0 win in Turin when the sides last met in February.
Team News
The hosts will be without suspended defender Isaak Toure after his red card against Venezia. Christian Kabasele is likely to take his place in the back three.
Florian Thauvin, Alexis Sanchez and Thomas Kristensen remain sidelined through injury, though Jurgen Ekkelenkamp could return to the squad. Top scorer Lorenzo Lucca is expected to lead the line once again.
The Bianconeri continue to be without long-term absentees Gleison Bremer and Arkadiusz Milik. Douglas Luiz could return from a thigh issue, while Nico Gonzalez is nearing full fitness.
Thiago Motta may rotate his squad given the busy schedule. Teenage sensation Kenan Yildiz and fit-again midfielder Teun Koopmeiners are pushing for starts.
Expected Starting XIs
Udinese: Okoye; Kabasele, Bijol, Giannetti; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Zarraga, Zemura; Bravo; Lucca
Juventus: Di Gregorio; Cambiaso, Kalulu, Gatti, Cabal; Locatelli, McKennie; Conceicao, Koopmeiners, Weah; Vlahovic
Match Prediction
While Udinese have been impressive at home this season, Juventus should have enough quality to edge a close contest. The visitors’ attacking firepower may prove too much for Udinese’s defense.
Prediction: Udinese 1-2 Juventus
