Prediction: Udinese vs Inter

Verdict: Lautaro Martinez to score

Best odds: 2.05

Bookmaker: ZetBet

The match that concludes round 31 of Serie A will see the reigning champions Inter Milan make their way to Udinese, hoping for another win that could get them closer to the 20th Scudetto title.

The game will be played at Friuli Stadium on Monday night with local supporters expecting a good performance and a positive result from their favourites.

Udinese

Due to this season’s below-average performance which put them at risk of relegation, the hosts are in a precarious position as the championship nears its finish. Udinese is 14th in the standings with eight games remaining and is heading towards a tough survival battle.

The Gabriele Cioffi-coached team raised their level of play recently, being undefeated in six of their last 8 games. Torino and Genoa prevailed over Udinese, while The Whites and Blacks returned to form with thrilling victories over Lazio and Juventus. Surprisingly, Udinese’s issues stem from their inability to kill the home games. The players seem to suffer a sudden fall, giving therefore chances to their opponents to get back in the game. These setbacks resulted in nine stalemates out of 15 matches played at the Friuli Stadium.

Furthermore, Udinese secured a solitary triumph at Friuli this term, following a completely controlled contest against Bologna, concluding the game with a decisive 3-0 score.

April will be a hectic month for Udinese with challenging games against quality sides including: AS Roma, Bologna, and Napoli. These fixtures’ outcomes could become crucial for the hosts who need to get points to avoid a further dropping in the pit.

Team News

Several injured players from Udinese have lately been added to the roster of teammates in the recovery room. Long-term absentees Gerrard Delofeu and Enzo Ebose work hard in the recovery room but will not participate against Inter.

Keinnan Davies and Brenner are the latest additions to the Udinese’s injury list, following setbacks registered in March. The former is expected to return to action with the minor muscle problems being recovered.

Inter

After an incredible season that ended with a domestic league victory and a loss to Manchester City in the Champions League final, Inter increased the stakes significantly this term. However, we could argue Inter is not having an excellent year after being knocked out early from the Italian Cup and the Champions League.

Despite these setbacks, the Serie A leaders are very close to defending their title, leading the race by 14 points over bitter rivals AC Milan. The rest of the season appears to be an en-fanfare march towards their 20th Scudetto, with Inter needing 14 points from their remaining eight rounds to clinch the title.

The Simone Inzaghi-coached team performed exceptionally well in the Seria A this year going undefeated in their last 14 away games. Furthermore, Inter has dominated domestically from the get-go, as evidenced by their stellar record of 25 victories, four draws, and one loss. Sassuolo is the only team to defeat Inter in the league this year, following a shocking win at the Meazza Stadium (1-2).

Lately, Inter bounced back from a 1-1 home setback against Napoli when the Blues equalised at the end of the game, by defeating last-round Empoli at home. Federico Di Marco and Alexis Sanchez scored the only goals in the last 20 minutes of play showing how opponents crumble under Nerazzuri’s pressure.

Team News

Juan Cuadrado and Stefan de Vrij are expected to return to the squad, following their injuries recovery. Lautaro Martinez will be aiming to score after missing the target against Empoli.

The Argentina ace cut a frustrated figure when he was substituted by Simone Inzhaghi, 20 minutes before the final whistle. Inter Milan’s MVP frustration was normal as he tried to edge Killian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.

Key factors to consider

• Udinese won a single game from their last five played in the Serie A (1-2 at Lazio)
• The hosts are engaged in a difficult relegation battle currently being three points above the line
• Gabriele Cioffi’s players won a single match at Friuli Stadium (3-0 against Bologna)
• Inter is marching towards their 20th champion crown
• The visitors won 25 from their 30 Seria A games played

Conclusion

Inter will try to edge Udinese at the Friuli Stadium aiming to win the Scudetto before the season ends. The remaining question is the number of goals the current Serie A leaders will score against Udinese and if Lautaro Martinez will have his name on the scoresheet.

Verdict: Lautaro Martinez to score

Best odds: 2.05

Bookmaker: ZetBet