Prediction: Udinese vs Juventus

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Facing what is a must-win showdown on Sunday night, Juventus will sign off their Serie A campaign when they travel to Udinese this weekend.

Udinese

Starting with the hosts, while Udinese might have cruised their way to Serie A status this season, the Little Zebras are certainly limping their way over the finish line. Last seen suffering a public collapse away at Salernitana as they eventually slumped to an action-packed 3-2 defeat, Andrea Sottil’s men have now lost each of their last three top-flight appearances. With that rut highlighted by a 2-0 loss at the hands of Fiorentina on May 14th, the Bianconeri have also claimed just a pair of victories from their previous 10 straight domestic appearances. With that downbeat spell stemming all he way back to a famous 3-1 victory against AC Milan on April 23rd, Udinese have shown some continued defensive issues since returning from the World Cup’s winter break. However, although Sottil’s side might have long since accepted that they won’t be able to record a top-half finish in 2023, Sunday’s hosts could potentially be smelling the chance to spring a heavyweight upset here.

Team News

All still dealing with long-term injury issues, Udinese will once again be without the likes of Gerard Deulofeu, Enzo Ebosse, Kingsley Ehizibue and Isaac Success. However, in what is a welcomed boost for Sottil’s side this weekend, Destiny Udogie will make a full return after serving a one-match suspension.

Recording his first goal of 2023 as Udinese fell to an action-packed 3-2 loss against Salernitana last weekend, Llija Nestorovski should keep his spot leading the Bianconeri’s attack on Sunday night.

Juventus

As for the visitors, crashing out of the Europa League last month following a 3-2 aggregate defeat at the hands of Sevilla, it is no secret that Juventus find themselves in the midst of a real crisis. Hit with a 10-point deduction last month and free-falling down the Serie A standings, the Old Lady have come under a huge amount of scrutiny. Knowing that they should need maximum points on Sunday night if they are to clinch a top-six spot, Massimiliano Allegri’s side will have plenty of pressure oil their shoulders this weekend. However, last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against fellow Italian heavyweights AC Milan, Juventus have lost each of their last three appearances across all competitions. With their nightmare spell highlighted by a stunning 4-1 drumming away at Empoli on May 22nd, Allegri’s side have certainly shown some extended issues at the back.

Team News

Missing last weekend’s 1-0 loss at home against AC Milan, Juventus are hopeful that attacking talisman Dusan Vlahovic will be able to make a full return here. However, the Old Lady will certainly be without the likes of Paul Pogba, Nicolo Fagioli, Mattia De Sciglio and Kaio Jorge.

Angel Di Maria looks set to make his final Juve appearance on Sunday night after it was confirmed that the ex-Real Madrid superstar will be leaving Turin this summer. Manuel Locatelli should once again partner Adrien Rabiot at the heart of Allegri’s midfield this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Serie A meeting on January 7th, Juventus picked up a 1-0 victory in Turin.
• Likewise, the Old Lady are unbeaten in each of their last five domestic appearances against Sunday’s hosts.
• Both Udinese and Juventus open Sunday’s showdown at the Stadio Friuli in the midst of their own respective three-match losing runs.
• Allegri’s side have remarkably recorded just a single victory from any of their last eight straight appearances on the road.
• Udinese have lost just one of their previous nine straight domestic appearances at the Stadio Friuli – a run that stems all the way back to January 15th.

Conclusion

While Juventus might still have the chance to punch a top-six finish on Sunday night, the Old Lady are in the midst of what has become a very public struggle. Losing each of their last three straight appearances across all competitions, the Italian icons have also continued to gain a reputation for their extended struggles on the road. Remarkably mustering just a single win outside of Turin from any of their last nine straight attempts, we certainly have a battle between two squads seeking their own respective boosts. With Udinese and Juventus playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw when they met at the Stadio Friuli last season, we could be set for a similar lively affair.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet