The Stadio Friuli is set to host a crucial Serie A encounter this Saturday as Udinese welcome Venezia in a match that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons. Udinese, currently languishing in the bottom half of the table, are desperate to halt their recent slide, while Venezia continue their fight against relegation.
Udinese’s recent form has been a cause for concern. The Friulani have failed to secure a victory in their last five league games, marking their longest winless streak under head coach Kosta Runjaic. Their home form has been particularly worrying, with no wins in their last six matches at the Stadio Friuli, scoring only four goals while conceding eleven.
Last week’s 2-1 defeat against Roma epitomized their struggles. Despite taking the lead through Lorenzo Lucca, Udinese conceded two second-half penalties, ultimately losing the match. This defeat pushed them down to 11th place, having collected just three points from their last five outings.
Venezia, on the other hand, find themselves in a desperate battle to avoid relegation. Currently sitting in the drop zone, four points from safety, the Lagunari have shown signs of improvement under Eusebio Di Francesco. They’ve managed to accumulate eight points from their last eight matches, matching their tally from the first 14 games of the season.
However, Venezia’s away form remains a significant concern. They are winless in their last 18 Serie A away games, a streak stretching back to their previous top-flight campaign. Their tendency to drop points from winning positions has also been costly, with 24 points squandered so far this season – the highest in Europe’s top five leagues.
Team News
For Udinese, Lorenzo Lucca remains the focal point of their attack. The Italian striker has netted 16 Serie A goals since the start of last season, all from open play. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial for the home side.
Udinese will be without several key players due to injuries and suspension. Kingsley Ehizibue, Isaak Toure, Lautaro Giannetti, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye are all sidelined, while midfielder Jesper Karlstrom is suspended. New signing Oumar Solet is expected to slot into the three-man defence.
Venezia’s hopes rest on the shoulders of Joel Pohjanpalo, their main striker who has been linked with a move to Serie B side Palermo. Alessio Zerbin, fresh from scoring against Verona, is likely to support Pohjanpalo alongside Gaetano Oristanio.
The visitors will be without Michael Svoboda, ruled out for the season, as well as Marin Sverko, Richie Sagrado, Alfred Duncan, and Domen Crnigoj due to injuries.
Expected Starting XIs
Udinese: Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet; Modesto, Ekkelenkamp, Lovric, Payero, Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca
Venezia: Stankovic; Cande, Idzes, Haps; Zerbin, Doumbia, Nicolussi Caviglia, Busio, Zampano; Oristanio, Pohjanpalo
Match Prediction
The reverse fixture in October saw Venezia emerge victorious after a remarkable comeback from two goals down. However, their record at the Stadio Friuli is poor, having lost their last three visits. Given Udinese’s superior attacking options and Venezia’s defensive frailties, the home side is favored to end their three-month wait for a home win. While Venezia has shown improvement, their struggles on the road and vulnerability in defense suggest they may struggle to keep a clean sheet.
Prediction: Udinese 1-0 Venezia
