The hosts have not won in four games, while Spezia have not won in five. In their most recent games, both teams have gone winless. Sandi Lovric scored a consolation goal for the hosts in their previous match, which they lost 3-1 on the road to Inter Milan.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Lautaro Martnez scored for Inter in the second half, canceling out Romelo Lukaku’s goal in the 43rd minute. Spezia has had trouble in recent league games, losing 2-0 at home to Juventus on Sunday and failing to score for the fourth time in five games.
Prediction
Since October, the Friulani have only won once across all competitions, and their most recent victory came at home in September. They are expected to struggle in this match, as they have not won their last three home games against Spezia.
A win for the Aquilotti seems unlikely given that they have lost four of their last five league games. In Serie A, only six of their 19 goals have come on the road. We anticipate a low-scoring draw due to the two teams’ poor form.
Prediction: Spezia beats Udinese 1-1
Head-to-Head
- In all competitions, the two northern Italian rivals have met 20 times, with their first encounter occurring in 1922.
- In these encounters, the visitors have a better record and hold a lead of 11-6, while three games have ended in draws.
- In five of their last seven Serie A games, Spezia has not scored.
- 14 of Udinese’s last 15 Serie A contests have ended in defeat.
- Spezia hasn’t won in their last five Serie A games because they’ve given up at least two goals and failed to score in four of those games.
- Spezia has scored in four of their last five away games this season, after not scoring in their first six Serie A contests.
- Udinese has conceded eight goals in their last three home games against Spezia, which they have lost.
Team news
After Jaka Bijol received his fifth caution of the season at the San Siro, he will be suspended for Sunday’s match, leaving Sottil possibly without any central defensive options. It’s possible that fullbacks Festy Ebosele and Adam Masina will be needed to protect the hosts’ heart.
In the meantime, due to injuries, Spezia will not be able to travel without Emil Holm, Simone Bastoni, Szymon Zurkowski, Jeroen Zoet, and Jacopo Sala. Meanwhile, Salvatore Esposito is still suspended after being fired from Empoli.
Since Semplici only took over three days prior to this match, there will be a lot of interest in his first team’s lineup. The former Cagliari manager is likely to play it safe and keep the same team that lost to Juventus last time out.
Lineup
Udinese:
- Silvestri;
- Ebosele, Becao, Masina;
- Ehizibue, Pereyra, Walace, Lovric, Udogie;
- Thauvin, Beto
Spezia:
- Dragowski;
- Amian, Ampadu, Nikolaou, Reca;
- Bourabia, Ekdal;
- Verde, Agudelo, Gyasi;
- Shomurodov
Betting Tips
Over/Under 2.5 goals Under 2.5 goals At least one goal in the first half – Yes Mbala Nzola to score or assist at any time – Yes
Where to watch
- SportPlus.
- ViX.
- VIX+