San Siro will host a crucial Serie A clash on Saturday as AC Milan welcome an in-form Udinese side in a match that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons. The unexpected table positions add an extra layer of intrigue to this fixture, with Udinese currently sitting two points ahead of their more illustrious opponents.
AC Milan enter this match on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina, which halted a four-match unbeaten run in Serie A. The Rossoneri’s form has been inconsistent, particularly away from home, but they remain undefeated in three league contests at San Siro this season. Currently sitting in 7th place, Milan are eager to climb the table and close the gap on the league leaders.
Udinese, under the guidance of new manager Kosta Runjaic, have made a flying start to the season. With four wins from seven matches, they find themselves in an impressive 5th position, just three points behind table-topping Napoli. Their recent 1-0 victory over Lecce, courtesy of Jordan Zemura’s late free-kick, exemplifies their current form and confidence.
The last meeting between these sides at San Siro resulted in a surprising 1-0 victory for Udinese. A repeat of this result would see the Friulani achieve back-to-back away wins against Milan for the first time in their history. However, Milan will draw confidence from their dramatic 3-2 win in Udine last season.
Milan’s attacking prowess, led by the in-form Christian Pulisic, will be crucial. The American has scored in four consecutive league matches and is on the verge of joining an elite group of Milan players who have netted in five straight Serie A games in the three-points-for-a-win era.
Udinese’s counter-attacking threat, spearheaded by Lorenzo Lucca and Florian Thauvin, will test Milan’s sometimes shaky defense. Thauvin, in particular, has been instrumental in Udinese’s success, directly contributing to six points with his goals and assists.
Team News
Milan will be without suspended left-back Theo Hernandez, forcing manager Paulo Fonseca to reshuffle his defense. Ruben Loftus-Cheek has returned to fitness, but several key players remain sidelined, including Marco Sportiello, Ismael Bennacer, and Davide Calabria.
Udinese have been boosted by the return of midfielders Martin Payero and Sandi Lovric. However, new signing Alexis Sanchez is still unavailable due to a calf injury.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Gabbia, Tomori, Terracciano; Fofana, Reijnders; Pulisic, Morata, Leao; Abraham
Udinese: Okoye; Kabasele, Bijol, Giannetti; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca
Match Prediction
Despite Udinese’s impressive form, AC Milan’s home advantage and the need to bounce back from recent disappointments could prove decisive. Expect an entertaining match with goals at both ends, but Milan’s superior attacking quality should see them through.
Prediction: AC Milan 3-1 Udinese
