As the second half of the 2024/25 Serie A season kicks off, Atalanta will be looking to reclaim their position at the top of the table when they face Udinese at the Bluenergy Stadium on Saturday. This match marks an important opportunity for both teams as they strive to achieve their respective season goals.
Udinese, after a strong start to the season that saw them briefly top the table, have struggled to maintain their form. Kosta Runjaic’s team now find themselves in ninth place, having won as many games in their last 12 outings as they did in their opening four matches.
In contrast, Atalanta, under the astute guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, have overcome a slow start to emerge as serious title contenders. Despite operating on a limited budget, Gasperini has once again worked his magic, transforming Atalanta into a formidable force.
The team has not lost a Serie A game since September and currently sits second in the standings, just three points behind leaders Napoli with a game in hand.
The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Atalanta come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Udinese. As the two teams prepare to face off again, Atalanta will be keen to continue their impressive run and put pressure on Napoli at the top of the table.
Team News
Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic faces several challenges with his squad ahead of this crucial fixture. The team will be missing four first-team players due to injuries and suspensions. Lorenzo Lucca is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card, while Maduka Okoye (wrist), Gerard Deulofeu (knee), and Keinan Davis (muscle injury) are also unavailable.
In response, Runjaic is expected to field a 3-5-2 formation, with Razvan Sava taking over in goal. The defensive line will likely consist of Oumar Solet, Jaka Bijol, and Thomas Kristensen, while Kingsley Ehizibue and Jordan Zemura will serve as wing-backs, providing width and support in attack.
On the other hand, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has received positive news regarding his squad. Although Gianluca Scamacca remains sidelined with a knee injury, Mateo Retegui is close to returning from a hamstring issue, although he may not be ready for this match.
Atalanta are likely to adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Marco Carnesecchi in goal. The defensive trio will include Odilon Kossounou, Berat Djimsiti, and Sead Kolasinac. Raoul Bellanova and Matteo Ruggeri are expected to start as wing-backs, while Ederson and Marten de Roon will anchor the midfield. Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman are set to lead the attack.
Expected Starting XIs
Udinese: Sava; Solet, Bijol, Kristensen; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Zemura; Thauvin, Sanchez
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti, Kolasinac, Bellanova; Ederson, de Roon, Ruggeri; Samardzic; De Ketelaere, Lookman
Match Prediction
Given Atalanta’s impressive form and historical dominance over Udinese—unbeaten in their last 14 encounters—the away side enters this match as favorites. With Udinese struggling at home and having failed to win their last four matches at the Bluenergy Stadium, Atalanta are well-positioned to capitalize on these weaknesses.
Prediction: Udinese 1-3 Atalanta
