As the 2024/25 Serie A season unfolds, Udinese is set to face Lazio on August 24, 2024, at the Stadio Friuli.
This match features two teams with contrasting fortunes in their opening fixtures, as Udinese seeks to build on their draw while Lazio aims to maintain their winning momentum.
With both teams eager to secure crucial points early in the season, this encounter promises to be an exciting clash.
Match Preview
Udinese kicked off their season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bologna, displaying resilience after initially falling behind to a penalty in the second half.
The hosts equalized just 11 minutes later, securing a point to start their campaign.
Udinese’s performance in the Coppa Italia was also impressive, having progressed to the next round with a commanding 4-0 victory over Avelino.
Despite their recent unbeaten streak of six Serie A matches, Udinese has struggled to convert draws into wins, managing only six victories in their last 39 league encounters.
Their home form has been particularly concerning, as they have not won any of their last 10 Serie A fixtures at Stadio Friuli, although both teams have found the net in each of their last four home games.
Lazio, on the other hand, arrives in Udine full of confidence after a 3-1 victory against newly promoted Venezia.
Despite conceding an early goal, Lazio quickly equalized and subsequently took control of the match, scoring twice more to seal the win.
This match marked Lazio’s first competitive outing of the season, but they had a successful preseason, winning four out of six friendly matches.
Lazio is currently riding an impressive unbeaten streak of eight Serie A matches, scoring in each of those contests.
Their away form has also been strong, with only one loss in their last five league games on the road, and they have not been defeated by Udinese in their last 11 away matches.
Head to Head
Historically, Lazio has had the upper hand in recent encounters with Udinese.
In their last five meetings, Lazio has secured two victories, Udinese has one win, and there have been two draws.
Notably, both teams won their respective away matches against each other last season, with Lazio also boasting a significant unbeaten streak against Udinese in away games dating back to 2013.
The trend suggests that Lazio will be confident heading into this match.
Team News
For Udinese, there are doubts surrounding the fitness of defender Thomas Kristensen, but the rest of the squad is expected to be available for selection.
Coach Kosta Runjaic will be looking to field a strong lineup to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Lazio defense.
Lazio will be without midfielder Mario Gila, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury.
Manager Marco Baroni will need to adjust his tactics accordingly but will be keen to maintain the attacking momentum that saw his team perform well in their opening match.
Prediction
Considering Lazio’s strong form and historical dominance over Udinese in recent years, we predict a victory for the visitors.
With both teams capable of scoring, we also anticipate a high-scoring affair.
- Score Prediction: Udinese 1-2 Lazio
Betting Tips
Lazio to Win: Given their recent form and historical success against Udinese, betting on a Lazio victory is a solid choice.
Over 2.5 Goals: Both teams have demonstrated the ability to score, making a bet on over 2.5 goals likely to pay off.
Both Teams to Score – Yes: With both sides finding the net in recent matches, this bet is a sensible option.
Castellanos to Score Anytime: If Castellanos is fit to play, betting on him to score during the match could yield good returns, considering his goal-scoring prowess.
