Udinese and Lecce will look to bounce back from defeats against Milan giants when they face off in Serie A action on Saturday at the Bluenergy Stadium. Both sides are aiming to regain momentum after recent setbacks in what promises to be an intriguing mid-table encounter.
Udinese have slipped to 8th place after back-to-back losses halted their strong start to the season. The Friulians won three of their first four matches to briefly top the table, but defeats to Roma and Inter Milan have brought them back down to earth. Still, with 10 points from 6 games, Kosta Runjaic’s side remain in the top half and have impressed at home this term.
Lecce find themselves in a more precarious 18th position with just 5 points so far. The Salentini are winless in their last three league outings and were soundly beaten 3-0 by AC Milan last weekend. More concerningly, Luca Gotti’s men have failed to score in their last four away matches stretching back to last season.
Recent meetings between these sides have been closely contested. The last six Serie A clashes have produced two wins apiece and two draws. Udinese did emerge victorious in their most recent encounter, securing a 2-0 away win at the Stadio Via del Mare last season.
The midfield battle could prove crucial, with Udinese’s Sandi Lovric and Jesper Karlstrom looking to control proceedings against Lecce’s Ylber Ramadani and Lassana Coulibaly. Out wide, Kingsley Ehizibue’s attacking forays from wing-back for Udinese will test Lecce left-back Antonino Gallo.
Up front, Lorenzo Lucca will aim to continue his goalscoring form for the hosts, while Nikola Krstovic desperately needs to rediscover his shooting boots for the visitors. The Montenegrin striker has not scored away from home since early May.
Team News
Udinese are hopeful of welcoming back defenders Lautaro Giannetti and Hassane Kamara from injury, though forward Florian Thauvin is doubtful after picking up a knock against Inter. Lorenzo Lucca will be pushing for a start up front after scoring off the bench last time out.
For Lecce, right-back Frederic Guilbert returns from suspension and should slot straight back into the lineup. Midfielder Mohamed Kaba remains sidelined with a long-term ACL injury. Striker Nikola Krstovic will lead the line as he looks to end his goal drought away from home.
Expected Starting XIs
Udinese (3-5-2): Okoye; Kabasele, Bijol, Giannetti; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca
Lecce (4-3-3): Falcone; Guilbert, Gaspar, Baschirotto, Gallo; Ramadani, Coulibaly, Dorgu; Rebic, Krstovic, Banda
Match Prediction
Udinese’s strong home record and greater attacking threat should see them edge a tight contest. Lecce’s struggles in front of goal on their travels are a major concern. While the visitors will look to keep things tight, Udinese’s quality in the final third could prove decisive.
Prediction: Udinese 1-0 Lecce
