Udinese take on the visitors AC Milan in the round 5 match of English Premier League. The match will be played on Saturday, September 20th at Bluenergy Stadium - Stadio Friuli (Udine).
Udinese certainly remember the times when Di Natale and company made an impact in the Champions League. But that is in the past, and the current objectives revolve around fighting for a mid-table finish, safely above the relegation zone. Last season, under the guidance of Kosta Runjaic, they managed a confident start. However, the momentum did not last for long, although overall results were solid: 44 points and a 12th-place finish. After the summer break, they once again found early rhythm, progressing in the cup past Carrarese and, more importantly, defeating Inter away after a draw with Verona. Following the international break, they secured another positive result by edging Pisa 1-0. Their defense has looked organized, conceding just twice in the last three matches, which gives hope for stability. Yet, the lack of consistent goalscoring remains a concern, with only three goals scored across those fixtures.
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Milan know this season must end as high as possible. “The Rossoneri” enjoyed an excellent period under Stefano Pioli, even lifting the Scudetto. They could not replicate that feat, though in the season before last they still finished as runners-up. Nevertheless, Pioli was replaced, and Paulo Fonseca failed, being dismissed by New Year. Sérgio Conceição then arrived, and while he claimed the Supercoppa by defeating Juventus and Inter, he oversaw an early Champions League exit and only an 8th-place league finish. The last chance came in the Coppa Italia, where Milan reached the final but lost to Bologna. After that, the returning manager began with a cup victory over Bari. In Serie A, however, the opening game brought an upset defeat against newly promoted Cremonese. They recovered with a 2-0 win over Lecce, and in September against Bologna, it was a single strike from veteran signing Luka Modric that proved decisive. The defense has looked tighter compared to last spring, keeping two clean sheets already. At the same time, the attack is heavily reliant on individual brilliance, with little fluidity in build-up play so far.
Milan have won all of the last three meetings against their opponents from Friuli. This is quite a pragmatic pairing, even by Italian standards — back under 2.5 total goals.
Prediction for the match: Under 2.5 scored goals.
