Prediction: Udinese vs Lazio

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 41/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

On Saturday evening, Udinese will welcome Lazio to the Dacia Arena in the second round of the 2024/25 Serie A campaign.

While a different-looking Lazio side secured a win over newly promoted Venezia last week, Udinese fought hard for a draw against Bologna, who will compete in the Champions League this term.

Udinese

Udinese’s recent history against Lazio offers some encouragement, as they managed to secure a surprising 2-1 victory in March, but achieving consecutive wins over the Biancocelesti is something they haven’t managed in nearly two decades. That shock win at the Stadio Olimpico was one of the few highlights in what was otherwise a difficult 2023-24 season for the Bianconeri, where an excess of drawn matches nearly cost them their place in Serie A.

Fabio Cannavaro, who stepped in to guide Udinese to safety, did not have his contract extended. Instead, the club turned to Kosta Runjaic, formerly of Legia Warsaw, to lead them this season. The German coach made a positive start with a 4-0 Coppa Italia win over Avellino, and in his Serie A debut, Udinese earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Bologna.

Although Udinese fell behind just before the hour mark, they fought back, and despite Florian Thauvin missing a penalty, Lautaro Giannetti’s header from the resulting corner salvaged a point. Udinese are now unbeaten in their last seven matches, a streak that echoes their strong form at the end of last season when they successfully avoided relegation.

Team News

Udinese have been dealt a blow with the injury to their returning star, Alexis Sanchez, who sustained a knock during training and could be sidelined until after the upcoming international break. However, Danish defender Thomas Kristensen may boost the squad by returning from his muscular injury, providing more options for the Friulani at the back.

In midfield, Udinese will have to cope without Lazar Samardzic, who has now officially moved to Atalanta. Without the Serbia international, Martin Payero and Sandi Lovric are likely to be tasked with anchoring the central areas, bringing creativity and work rate to Runjaic’s system.

Meanwhile, the focus up front will be on Lorenzo Lucca, who will be determined to end his nine-game Serie A goal drought. Despite his struggles in the league, Lucca found the back of the net in the recent Coppa Italia victory over Avellino, and he will be eager to replicate that form for the home crowd at the Dacia Arena.

Lazio

Lazio’s season opener under Marco Baroni began with a strong 3-1 victory over Venezia, despite an early setback that saw them concede in the opening minutes. Taty Castellanos, stepping into the shoes of club legend Ciro Immobile, quickly responded, leveling the score. New captain Mattia Zaccagni then converted a penalty to give Lazio the lead, which was solidified by a late own goal from Venezia.

This result continued Lazio’s impressive unbeaten run, now stretching to eight matches, matching their best streak since Simone Inzaghi’s departure in 2021. After a challenging previous campaign under Sarri and then Tudor, Baroni’s arrival signals the beginning of a new chapter for Lazio as they transition into the post-Immobile era.

Baroni, though not initially the fans’ top choice, has the task of improving on Lazio’s seventh-place finish last season. His chances of success in the short term seem promising, especially given Lazio’s excellent recent record in Udine, where they are unbeaten in their last 11 league games, winning eight of them.

Team News

Lazio will be without Mario Gila once again this weekend, as the Spanish centre-back remains sidelined with a thigh injury. Baroni has a fully fit squad otherwise, and he may opt to stick with the same lineup that earned a victory over Venezia on the opening day of the season.

However, new arrivals Gaetano Castrovilli, Loum Tchaouna, and Boulaye Dia are all eager to break into the starting XI and could give Baroni some selection headaches. In attack, Taty Castellanos will continue to lead the line, supported by Lazio’s new captain Mattia Zaccagni.

Zaccagni has made a bright start to the season, scoring in the first game of this campaign after also finding the net in last season’s final match. Yet, despite his good form, Udinese remains a tricky opponent for the winger, as he has failed to score in 668 minutes across 10 previous matches against them. He’ll be keen to end that dry spell and lead his side to victory on Saturday.

Conclusion

With Udinese showing notable resilience in defence under their new coach, Lazio are likely to find it tough to secure all three points on Saturday. The Biancocelesti displayed promising signs in their opening Serie A fixture against Venezia, but facing a well-organized Udinese side away from home presents a more formidable challenge.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 41/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet