Prediction: Udinese vs Inter

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 9/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

After a disappointing start that culminated with a defeat in the Derby della Madonnina against bitter rivals AC Milan, Inter is keen to return to winning ways at Udinese. The game will be played on Saturday afternoon at Stadio Friuli, where the local team won all its games since the start of the season.

Udinese

Udinese struggled last season and reached safety in the end round when former World Cup winner Fabio Canavaro saved the hosts from dropping to Serie B with a decisive away win at Frosinone (0-1). With his job completed, Canavaro departed the club in the Summer, and the owner employed Kosta Runjaic, hoping for a better season this time with no relegation worries.

While the Austrian-born German manager started his career in the lower tiers of German football, landing his first important role as head coach of Legia Warsaw, where he guided the Polish giants back to Europe, was enough to get the Udinese job.

Having all the squad available during the Summer, Udinese started preparing early for the new season with seven friendly games (W4D1L2) that shaped the starring lineup before the opening game played in the Coppa against Avellino.

Confirming their favourites status to progress further with an emphatic 4-0 win, Udinese was heading to Champions League outfit Bologna aiming to get a positive result. Despite playing against a top opponent, the Zebras left the pitch undefeated after coming back from behind to settle for a draw (1-1).

Returning to Stadio Friuli after an excellent start, Udinese impressed in the next two rounds after defeating home Lazio (2-1) and Como (1-0) to jump in the standings behind leaders Juventus. While a difficult trip away at in-form Parma was considered a tricky test, Kosta Runjaic’s team proved their credential with a shock win (3-2).

However, this excellent run ended in the Capital when Roma inflicted Udinese one of the heaviest defeats in recent times (3-0), bringing the Zebra’s back to reality.

Team New

Udinese has limited options upfront after Alexis Sanchez joined Gerard Deulofeu in the recovery room. While the latter is a long-term absentee after being subject to knee surgery in January 2023, the Chilean ace has been out since August with calf problems.

Florian Thauvin will be handed another start after impressing against Parma. The former France international netted a double, bringing his team an important win.

Inter

Inter Milan’s recent ascendence to the top of the domestic and European football under Simone Inzaghi is obvious. After dramatically losing the 2023 Champions League final to Manchester City, the Nerrazzuri won the Scudetto last season with a 19-point lead over AC Milan.

Despite being in a strong position to remain at the top of Italian football for a longer period, the visitor’s inexplicable quiet Summer transfer window jeopardised the chances of defending the Scudetto. Although a few important players left, like Edin Dzeko and Alexis Sanchez, Inter didn’t land any significant names in their backyard.

Starting their title defence with the handbrake pulled, Inter stumbled in the first round at Genoa (2-2). However, recovering from the Genoa stalemate with impressive wins against Lecce (2-0) and Atalanta (4-0) pointed towards another Serie A season dominated by Simone Inzaghi’s team.

Yet, with a first difficult test at the Etihad Stadium in the re-play of the 2023 Champions League final against Manchester City being on the horizon, Simone Inzaghi decided to rest key figures against Monza. The decision proved costly for Inter, who had to settle for a draw (1-1).

Travelling to the North of England in bad shape, the Serie A Champions were seen as massive underdogs against Manchester City. However, Simone Inzhagi proved his tactical genius by completely blocking the Premier League champions in a game widely regarded as a tactical masterpiece from the Italian outfit.

Returning to domestic action with another difficult task ahead, Inter was shocked by Matteo Gabbia’s late goal in the Derby della Madonnina won by AC Milan, dropping the champions to 6th, three points behind leaders Torino.

Team News

Inter’s lack of fresh legs was felt against AC Milan, with several key figures dropping their fitness level, which required Simone Inzaghi to make unexpected changes in the lineup. While Nicolo Barella was taken off in the 74’th minute due to fatigue, the midfield maestro is expected to be handed a start against Udinese.

Key factors to consider

• Udinese lost one game this season (3-0 at Roma)
• The host defeated last time Inter at Stadio Friuli in 2022 (3-1)
• Inter has a difficult start with only a pair of wins from six games
• The visitors scored a single goal in the last two games

Conclusion

Inter is facing another difficult challenge after the Derby della Madonnina defeat against AC Milan. However, with several key players reaching match fitness following six days of rest, we expect the Nerazzurri to fire on all cylinders and get three points.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 9/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet