Udinese vs Lazio: Predictions, Team News, Lineups Preview
In an upcoming Serie A clash, Udinese and Lazio find themselves just one point apart in the league standings. This match, scheduled for Saturday evening, marks a crucial opportunity for Udinese, who aim to leapfrog Lazio after suffering a heavy defeat against Fiorentina last week.
Match Preview
Last weekend, Udinese faced a severe setback when goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was sent off just seven minutes into the match at Stadio Franchi. Fiorentina capitalized on this advantage, scoring five goals against Udinese’s substitute goalkeeper, Razvan Sava. Although Oumar Solet managed to score for Udinese, the team’s poor performance was unexpected, especially after their recent victory over Napoli.
Udinese currently holds the 10th spot in the league, with a record of five wins, two draws, and three losses at home across all competitions. Under the management of Kosta Runjaic, they have struggled with inconsistency, fluctuating between clean sheets and defensive lapses. The team aims to end the year positively by achieving a victory against Lazio, seeking their third win in four encounters with the Biancocelesti.
Lazio’s Recent Performance
Lazio also faces challenges, having lost their last visit to Udinese in August 2024 and earning just one point in their last three matches against them. Currently positioned eighth in Serie A, they are striving to secure a place in the European qualifiers. Their recent performances include a surprising win against Parma, despite being down to nine men, and a disappointing draw against Cremonese at home.
Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel has excelled this season, boasting nine clean sheets, the highest in the league. Maurizio Sarri’s side recently advanced in the Coppa Italia, setting up a quarter-final match against Bologna, but they need a win in this match to maintain momentum. After a transfer ban is lifted, the team may soon be able to enhance their squad.
Team News
For the upcoming clash, Udinese will miss Maduka Okoye due to suspension. Razvan Sava is likely to start in goal. The team will also be without wing-backs Jordan Zemura and Rui Modesto, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, Hassane Kamara is expected to return to the bench.
- Keinan Davis and Nicolo Zaniolo each have four league goals for Udinese.
- Mattia Zaccagni leads Lazio with three goals in Serie A.
Lazio’s situation is compounded by suspensions of Matteo Guendouzi and Toma Basic, alongside injuries to Nicolo Rovella and Samuel Gigot. Head coach Maurizio Sarri has several tactical decisions to make considering these absences.
Predicted Lineups
| Udinese | Lazio |
|---|---|
| Sava; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Zanoli, Ekkelenkamp, Karlstrom, Piotrowski, Bertola; Zaniolo, Davis | Provedel; Marusic, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Cataldi, Vecino; Cancellieri, Noslin, Zaccagni; Castellanos |
In conclusion, the match between Udinese and Lazio shows signs of being evenly matched, with both teams experiencing ups and downs this season. Given their current form and recent results, a draw seems plausible, with both teams likely sharing the points.
