Udinese vs Atalanta Preview: Team News & Prediction

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New look Udinese are pushing for a top eight finish and potential European qualification as they now prepare to take on title challenging Atalanta at the Gewiss Stadium in Friuli this weekend.

Kick-off date/time: Saturday 11th January, 2025: UK – 2:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Select matches will be televised on CBS Sports so it is worth checking their schedule

How to watch online: UK – OneFootball / US – Paramount+

Udinese Preview: Challenging Friulians

The Pozzo family seemingly turned their attention back to Udinese over the summer with the appointment of Legia Warsaw boss Kosta Runjaic in Friuli and some heavy summer transfer window investment after avoiding relegation on the final day of last season.

The Friulians come into this one on the back of back-to-back draws either side of the New Year with a 2-2 draw against Torino being followed up by a goalless draw against Hellas Verona. They have now suffered just one defeat in their last five matches in Serie A.

Atalanta Preview: The excellent Atalanta

Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta, who won the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League last season, are now looking to challenge for their first ever Serie A title in 2025 with the Bergamasci beginning this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting three points behind Napoli with a game-in-hand.

The visitors most recently suffered a 2-0 loss to defending Italian champions Internazionale at Al Awwal Park in Saudi Arabia last weekend in the semi-finals of the Supercoppa Italiana last weekend due to a second-half brace from wing-back Denzel Dumfries.

Udinese Team News: Attacking issues

Udinese have some key issues in attack for this weekend. Lorenzo Lucca is missing through suspension, whilst Keinan Davis is also an injury doubt. First-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye remains sidelined with a wrist injury, too.

Predicted XI (3-5-2): Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Oumar Solet; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Sanchez

Unavailable: Okoye (Injured), Gerard Deulofeu (Injured), Lucca (Suspended)

Questionable: Giannetti (Injured), Oier Zarraga (Injured), Davis (Injured)

Atalanta Team News: Still no Scamacca

Mateo Retegui has returned to full fitness for this weekend but fellow Italy international striker Gianluca Scamacca remains unavailable, despite making progress in his recovery from an ACL injury. Juan Cuadrado is an injury doubt for this one. 

Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui

Unavailable: Scamacca (Injured) 

Questionable: Djimsiti (Injured), Bellanova (Injured), Juan Cuadrado (Injured)

Udinese vs Atalanta Prediction

Udinese have been entertaining to watch as they try to get to grips with the fundamental attacking principles of Runjaic. Their 19 games in Serie A so far this season have consisted of 51 goals. They now face an Atalanta side that are the second top scorers in the league, despite having played fewer games than most with 43 goals in 18 games. A high-scoring and entertaining encounter is to be expected in Friuli this weekend.

Udinese vs Atalanta Tip: Over 2.5 goals