Udinese welcome Cagliari to the Bluenergy Stadium on Friday evening for an intriguing Serie A clash between two sides looking to build momentum after contrasting starts to the season.
The hosts Udinese have made a solid if unspectacular start under new coach Kosta Runjaic, sitting 9th in the table with 13 points from their opening 8 matches. However, they come into this game off the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat away to AC Milan last weekend, where they failed to capitalize on playing against 10 men for over an hour.
In contrast, Cagliari have hit a rich vein of form after a dismal start to the campaign. Davide Nicola’s side have gone unbeaten in their last 4 league games, including impressive wins over Parma and Torino. This upturn has seen them climb out of the relegation zone up to 15th place.
The aerial duel between Udinese’s towering striker Lorenzo Lucca and Cagliari’s experienced Colombian defender Yerry Mina could be crucial. Lucca has made an impressive start to life in Udine and will be looking to add to his 3 league goals. Mina will need to use all his physicality and positional sense to nullify the 6’7″ Italian.
Udinese boss Kosta Runjaic has made a promising start since taking over in the summer, steering the club clear of the relegation worries that plagued them last season. He’ll be demanding a response after the Milan defeat as Udinese look to push towards the European places.
Cagliari manager Davide Nicola has overseen a remarkable turnaround in fortunes. After losing their opening 3 games, the Sardinians are now unbeaten in 4 and playing with renewed confidence. Nicola will be hoping to extend that run and pull further clear of danger.
The two sides played out a pair of 1-1 draws in Serie A last season. However, Cagliari did emerge victorious when the teams met in the Coppa Italia, dramatically winning 2-1 after extra time in Udine.
Team News
Udinese will be hoping star forward Florian Thauvin can shake off a hip problem to partner Lorenzo Lucca up front. The duo have been Udinese’s top scorers so far with 3 goals apiece. Alexis Sanchez remains sidelined with a calf injury, while defender Thomas Kristensen is also doubtful.
For Cagliari, Jakub Jankto and Leonardo Pavoletti are still unavailable, but Adam Obert could return after recovering from an adductor issue. Yerry Mina and ever-present Sebastiano Luperto are set to continue their partnership at the heart of defense.
Expected Starting XIs
Udinese : Okoye; Kabasele, Bijol, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Zarraga, Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca
Cagliari: Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto, Augello; Makoumbou, Adopo; Zortea, Viola, Luvumbo; Piccoli
Match Prediction
While Cagliari are in better form, Udinese’s home advantage and superior overall quality should see them edge a tight encounter. The Friulani have been strong at the Bluenergy Stadium this season and will be desperate to bounce back from last week’s disappointment.
Prediction: Udinese 1-0 Cagliari
