Udinese manager Kosta Runjaic faces significant selection challenges as his team prepares to host Venezia in Serie A on Saturday afternoon. The Friulian side will be without several key players due to injuries and suspension.
Defensive options are particularly limited, with Kingsley Ehizibue, Isaak Toure, and Lautaro Giannetti all sidelined. Additionally, first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is unavailable, further complicating Runjaic’s team selection. In midfield, the absence of regular starter Jesper Karlstrom due to suspension adds to Udinese’s woes.
However, there is some positive news for the home team as recent acquisition Oumar Solet returns from a ban. The defender is expected to slot into Udinese’s three-man backline, likely taking the place of the injured Toure.
Up front, Lorenzo Lucca continues to be a bright spot for Udinese. Since joining the club at the start of last season, Lucca has netted an impressive 16 Serie A goals, all from open play. His goal-scoring prowess is second only to Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram in terms of non-penalty goals, making him a crucial figure in Udinese’s attack once again.
For the visiting Venezia, transfer speculation surrounds their top scorer Joel Pohjanpalo, who remains with the club as negotiations with Serie B side Palermo continue. In attack, Alessio Zerbin is likely to start after finding the net against Verona, with Gaetano Oristanio expected to provide support.
Venezia also have its share of absentees, with Michael Svoboda ruled out for the remainder of the season. Marin Sverko, Richie Sagrado, Alfred Duncan, and Domen Crnigoj are also unavailable for selection.
Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet; Modesto, Ekkelenkamp, Lovric, Payero, Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca
Venezia (3-5-2):Stankovic; Cande, Idzes, Haps; Zerbin, Doumbia, Nicolussi Caviglia, Busio, Zampano; Oristanio, Pohjanpalo
