Serie A | Gameweek 14

Dec 1, 2024 at 11.30am UK

Dacia Arena

Udinesevs.Genoa

Match preview

Udinese have had a rough time recently, losing three out of their last four matches. They were beaten by Venezia (2-3), Juventus (0-2) and Atalanta BC (1-2), and drew with Empoli (1-1).

This poor run of form has seen Kosta Runjaic's team slide down the table, and they're currently sitting in ninth place before this weekend's games.

The Little Zebras have had a tough time since matchday five, picking up fewer points than most teams in the league. They've managed to get seven points from nine games, but they were on a roll at the start of the season, claiming 10 points from the opening four rounds (three wins, one draw).

Although they've only managed to pick up seven points during this tough run, Udinese are still doing better than three Serie A sides – Hellas Verona, Monza and this weekend's opponents (who've all got six points). Udinese are hoping to claim maximum points for the first time since 25 October, when they beat Cagliari 2-0.

They've got a great home record against Genoa, with nine clean sheets in 14 home matches against Sunday's visitors since 2009-10. That's more than against any other away opponent.

Even though Udine is a tough place to play, Vieira's team is hoping to take advantage of their opponents' four-game losing streak. They're looking to get their first win under the French coach after losing to Cagliari last weekend.

They played really well to turn around an early deficit and lead 2-1 thanks to goals from Morten Frendrup and Fabio Miretti. Unfortunately, they conceded a second penalty in the final minute of the 90, so the game ended 2-2.

Vieira is hoping his players can put the negative feeling of letting in a late goal against Cagliari this weekend behind them. They're keen to extend their unbeaten run to four after beating Parma (1-0) and securing consecutive points against Como and the Sardinians.

The hard-fought win at Parma came on the road, and a similar outcome would be just what the doctor ordered for the 17th-placed side, whose two wins in 2024-25 have been away from Liguria.

If they don't get the win this weekend, the Rossoblu could find themselves in the bottom three, with Como, Monza and Venezia all close behind.

Recent Performance

Udinese Serie A form:LWLLLD

Genoa Serie A form:DLLWDD

Team News

Jaka Bijol had played every minute for Udinese in the opening 13 rounds, but the centre-back will miss out this weekend after picking up his fifth yellow card (24-25) in the 1-1 draw with Empoli.

Although Alexis Sanchez (thigh) has reportedly returned to training, it seems like this weekend might be too soon for the Chilean. It looks like Martin Payero and Gerard Deulofeu won't be back for the Little Zebras.

It looks like Vieira's men could be without Ruslan Malinovskyi, Caleb Ekuban, Jeff Ekhator and Koni De Winter for Sunday's lunchtime match in Udine.

Andrea Pinamonti is hoping to add to his four Serie A goals after failing to find the net against Como and Cagliari. The Genoa striker is keen to claim a third road victory this term.

Possible starting lineup

Udinese possible starting lineup:

Okoye; Kabasele, Giannetti, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Zarraga, Zemura; Thauvin, Davis

Genoa possible starting lineup:

Leali; Sabelli, Bani, Vasquez, Martin; Thorsby, Badelj, Frendrup; Zanoli, Pinamonti, Miretti