Udinese vs Juventus Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Italian Serie A
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THE FACTS
When is Udinese vs Juventus on and what time does it start? Udinese vs Juventus will take place on Sunday 20th August, 2023 – 19:45 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Udinese vs Juventus? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Udinese vs Juventus on in the UK? TNT Sports have the rights to televise Serie A matches in the UK, so it is worth checking their schedule for Udinese vs Juventus
Where can I stream Udinese vs Juventus in the UK? If Udinese vs Juventus is televised on TNT Sports, then subscribers can stream the match live on discovery+
THE LOWDOWN
UDINESE
Last season, under the management of Andrea Sottil, Udinese started the Serie A season exceptionally well. They began with a defeat at AC Milan and then a draw at home to Salernitana but then they managed sixth successive victories as they sat comfortably in the top four by October. In that run of wins they defeated Fiorentina, Roma and Inter.
After that incredible run, though, they then went on a run of winning just one of their next 17 matches. They are going to have to endure persistent rumours that star striker Beto may depart in the next few weeks. They have lost centre-back Rodrigo Becao to Fenerbahce so far this summer.
JUVENTUS
Juventus were handed a points deduction that was then overturned before then being re-instated but reduced last season. The confusing nature of that decision making was an obvious distraction for The Old Lady but they still managed to finish seventh. However, UEFA have decided to expel them from European competition anyway – which may actually work quite well for Bianconeri with free midweeks.
Massimiliano Allegri’s squad remains a bit messy and the arch-pragmatist lacks a bit of clarity with his squad and team both on and off the pitch. Over the summer, they have brought in Timothy Weah and look set to finally sign Domenico Berardi. Juve will be aiming to return to a meaningful title race in Italy’s top-flight.
THE TEAM NEWS
UDINESE
Andrea Sottil’s preferred formation is a flat 3-5-2 system but the Friulians will be without three key players with Gerard Deulofeu injures as well as both Enzo Ebosse and Kingsley Ehizibue so that will be an issue and a frustration for the home team.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Silvestri; Perez, Bijol, Masina; Ebosele, Samardzic, Walace, Lovric, Zemura; Thauvin, Beto, Ake
UNAVAILABLE: Deulofeu (Injured), Ebosse (Injured), Ehizibue (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
JUVENTUS
Massimiliano Allegri is without two first teamers ahead of the opening day with both Mattia De Sciglio and Nicolo Fagiolo missing through injury. The Old Lady are likely to stick by their traditional back three, though.
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Szczesny; Danilo, Bonucci, Bremer; Kostic, Locatelli, Rabiot, Alex Sandro; Weah, Vlahovic, Chiesa
UNAVAILABLE: De Sciglio (Injured), Fagioli (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
Andrea Sottil’s Udinese side ended up finishing in the bottom-half of Serie A last season after their incredibly fast start to the campaign. They won six of their opening eight matches but managed to enjoy just five victories from their remaining 30 so without that fast start, it could well be argued they’d have badly struggled. Juventus are an irritating and occasionally soul destroying team to watch play football but they are expected to be much-improved this season so a Juve win and probably a Juve win to nil seems likely.
TIP: JUVENTUS TO WIN TO NIL
