Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 6/7
Bookmaker: BetUS
The upcoming Serie A opener between Udinese and Juventus, set to take place on Sunday at the Friuli, also known as the Dacia Arena, presents an intriguing battle between the two Bianconeri sides. The contest will be a rematch between the teams who met on the final day of the previous season, adding an element of continuity and rivalry to the encounter.
Udinese
Udinese have a worrying record against Juventus as the Dacia Arena, having won just one of their last 15 league meetings there and suffering 12 defeats during that period. Interestingly, this encounter marks the fifth time that the two teams have faced each other on the opening matchday of a Serie A season. With two wins for Juventus and one for Udinese in these previous encounters, this fixture has historically set the tone for both clubs’ campaigns.
Udinese’s 2022-23 season started promisingly but ended on a sour note with a four-game losing streak. Despite the challenges, Andrea Sottil’s team showcased resilience, particularly in their ability to pick up points from losing positions. This determination allowed them to secure a 12th-place finish in the Serie A standings, even though they were hampered by a high number of draws throughout the season.
As Udinese prepares for the new season, their recent victory over Catanzaro in the Coppa Italia will undoubtedly provide them with a little bit of much-needed confidence and motivation as they face the mighty Juventus on matchday one of the Serie A campaign. The match not only offers Udinese the opportunity to reverse their recent losing streak, but also a chance to set a positive tone for the season ahead and potentially overcome their historical struggles against the reigning giants of Italian football.
Team News
Juventus appears to have a relatively healthy squad heading into their season opener against Udinese, with only two players expected to miss the match due to injury concerns. Long-term absentee defender Mattia De Sciglio and midfielder Paul Pogba are the players who are set to be unavailable for the match.
Juventus
Last season, Juventus faced significant setbacks, including a points penalty due to financial issues, which led to them finishing in seventh place in Serie A. This result was a far cry from their usual dominance, with Napoli clinching the Serie A title. Adding to their troubles, Juventus was banned from participating in European competitions, including the Europa Conference League, due to a UEFA-imposed one-year ban.
In the absence of European competitions, Juventus is aiming to regain their form in Serie A and make a strong showing in the Coppa Italia. However, the team’s preparations have been marred by controversies, including the sidelining of long-serving captain Leonardo Bonucci. The transfer negotiations involving players like Romelu Lukaku and the signing of Timothy Weah have been notable points of focus, though with different outcomes for the time being.
Despite off-field challenges, Juventus maintained a solid defensive record in Serie A last season, recording 20 clean sheets, second only to Lazio. Coach Max Allegri, who is closing in on his 250th win as Juventus manager, is likely to emphasize defensive solidity in the upcoming matches.
Historically, Juventus has a strong record in Serie A season openers, having won the most in the league’s history. The team has secured 59 victories in opening matches, including six of their last seven.
Asthey begin their new Serie A campaign against Udinese, the Old Lady will aim to put last season’s difficulties behind them and start afresh in their pursuit of success on the domestic front.
Team News
Despite the departure of Destiny Udogie to Tottenham Hotspur, Udinese has made significant additions to their squad for the upcoming season. Christian Kabasele and Jordan Zemura have joined Udinese from England, and both players could feature for the hosts in their match against Juventus.
Udinese managed to retain key players like Beto and Lazar Samardzic despite intense speculation about their futures. Beto, in particular, showcased his contribution by scoring in last week’s cup victory over Catanzaro. The Brazilian forward Brenner, who has an impressive record of 27 goals during his time in Major League Soccer, has also joined Udinese from FC Cincinnati.
While Udinese has made additions to their squad, they are still dealing with the absence of players recovering from serious knee injuries suffered last season. Gerard Deulofeu is expected to return to action in mid-September, Kingsley Ehizibue’s return is anticipated later in the year, and Enzo Ebosse’s recovery from a cruciate ligament rupture could be completed in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
Max Allegri’s Juventus have a particular knack for grinding out results even in the face of challenges. Their disciplined approach and defensive solidity often allow them to control matches and secure victories. It’s quite plausible that they will continue their successful record against Udinese.
Verdict: Away win
Best odds: 6/7
Bookmaker: BetUS
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