Udinese vs Lazio: Match Preview
The Stadio Friuli hosts Udinese vs Lazio in Matchday 33 of the 2019/20 Serie A.
Looking at the previous ten matches between the two sides, the Biancocelesti have won on nine occasions, the Bianconeri have won on zero occasions, and there has been one draw. In more recent times, Lazio defeated Udinese 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico in Matchday 14 of the 2019/20 campaign.
In regards to form in the Serie A this campaign, Simone Inzaghi’s team sits in second with a record of 21W-5D-6L (68 points), while Luca Gotti’s side sits in fifteenth with a record of 9W-8D-15L (35 points); the last round of calcio saw Sassuolo defeat the Biancocelesti 2-1 and Sampdoria defeat the Bianconeri 3-1.
Expected Starting Lineups
Udinese (3-5-2): Musso; Ekong, Nuytinck, Samir; Larsen, De Paul, Jajalo, Fofana, Sema; Lasagna, Okaka.
Suspended: None
Unavailable: Prodl, Mandragora
Yellow-Carded: Ekong, Fofana, Nestorovski, Okaka
Lazio (3-5-2): Strakosha; Luiz Felipe, Acerbi, Radu; Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Luis Alberto, Jony; Caicedo, Immobile.
Suspended: Patric
Unavailable: Marusic, Correa, Lulic
Yellow-Carded: Acerbi, Bastos, Cataldi, Lazzari, Lucas Leiva
Prediction
This match takes place after Lazio lost 2-1 in Rome against Sassuolo. It was a deserved result for Sassuolo who were the stronger side for most of the match. Luis Alberto opened the scoring with his sixth goal this season. Ciro Immobile continued to struggle to find the back of the net as he failed to convert his opportunities in the first half. Since the restart of the season, the Italian has scored twice in five matches. The Neroverdi’s speed caused a problem for Inzaghi’s side as they struggled to keep up. Giacomo Rasapdori scored his first goal in Serie A and tied the game, which was well deserved by Sassuolo. Throughout the match, Jeremie Boga posed a threat to Lazio as his footwork, speed and movement created problems to their defensive backs. However, Francesco Caputo – who had come off the bench as a substitute – scored in the 91st minute to help Sassuolo steal the three points from Lazio. Lazio has been in poor form as of late as they have won two of their last six games after going undefeated in 21 straight matches. Udinese’s last defeat against Lazio dates back to September 2014, when they won 1-0.
As for the Bianconeri, they were starting to show great form before their match against Sampdoria as they were unbeaten in three straight matches. It looked as if Udinese were starting to turn the corner and find some consistency. Udinese took a set back after their 3-1 loss against Sampdoria. The loss keeps Udinese at a standstill and are six points above Lecce who hold the final spot towards relegation. Due to the inconsistency and poor form of the squad this season, Udinese decided to relieve Igor Tudor of his duties and has been replaced by interim manager Luca Gotti. In their recent match against Sampdoria, Kevin Lasagna opened the scoring for Udinese in the first half. Although taking the lead in the match, Sampdoria scored three goals afterwards to win the match 2-1. Fabio Quagliarella scored late into the injury time of the first half. Federico Bonazzoli and Manolo Gabbiadini converted on their chances in the second half.
Lazio is eight points behind Juventus in the first place while Udinese is tied with Sampdoria at 35 points for 14th spot in the standings.
Prediction: Udinese 2-0 Lazio
