Serie A | Gameweek 20

Jan 11, 2025 at 2pm UK

Stadio Friuli

Udinese vs Atalanta

Match Preview

Udinese have made a good start to the season and are currently ninth in Serie A, just one win behind seventh-placed Bologna. Although direct qualification for European competitions is still a long way off, the Bianconeri can be satisfied with their performance in the first half of the season.

Young talent Simone Pafundi, who was on loan at Lausanne Sports in Switzerland, has returned to the team. Udinese have not made any new signings in winter. They will continue to rely on key players such as Lucca,Thauvin and Bijol in the second half of the season.

In November, Udinese lost 2-1 away to Atalanta. Touré scored an own goal in that game, and the team lost. Atalanta were in excellent form at the time. They had won 5 Serie A games in a row before beating Udinese and were unbeaten in 13 Serie A matches.

Atalanta are now second in the standings with 44 points. With a game in hand, they are just 3 points behind leaders Napoli. They are on fire in Serie A and have scored 43 goals so far, just behind Inter Milan's 45. Retegui is also temporarily top scorer in Serie A with 12 goals.

Atalanta are unbeaten in their last 14 matches against Udinese in all competitions, although their last two away games with Udinese ended in a 1-1 and 2-2 draw.

In their winter transfer, Atalanta brought former Everton defender Godfrey back to the Premier League on loan. He made just 5 appearances in the first half of the season. As Scalvini continues to recover from his serious injury, Godfrey's opportunities will be limited.

As for the transfer rumours surrounding Brighton midfielder Enciso, it seems that they will not be realised so soon. As long as Lookman and De Ketelaere remain healthy, Atalanta will not be in such a hurry to buy the Paraguayan.

Recent Performance

Udinese recent form in Serie A:WLWDD

Atalanta recent form in Serie A:WWWWD

Team news

Udinese's top scorer Lorenzo Lucca won't be playing in this game. He got his fifth yellow card in the last round and will be suspended. Alexis Sánchez,former Barca and Arsenal striker,might replace him in the centre.

Oier Zarraga, Keinan Davis, Lautaro Giannetti and first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye are still sidelined for Udinese.

Gasperini made loads of changes to the starting lineup in the Italian Super Cup. Scalvini and Samardzic weren't in their usual spots. The loss also got the old coach a lot of flack.

Back in the league, Atalanta should put out their strongest lineup, with Lookman and De Ketelaere returning to the starting lineup. On top of Scamacca's long-term absence, Atalanta should have their most solid lineup yet.

Possible starting lineup

Udinese possible starting lineup:

Sava; Kristensen, Bijol, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, ​​Zemura; Thauvin, Sanchez

Atalanta BC possible starting lineup:

Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri; Pasalic, Lookman; De Ketelaere