Get ready for an exciting Serie A battle as Udinese takes on Monza on May 11, 2025, at the Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli. Udinese holds the 12th spot in the league, comfortably away from relegation threats. Their goal is to cement their mid-table position. Meanwhile, Monza sits unhappily at the bottom, already relegated and trudging through five straight defeats. With the encouragement of home fans, Udinese will look to capitalize on this advantage and boost their morale. This preview explores the match dynamics, team forms, key player impact, and some enticing betting angles.
Udinese Team Overview
Udinese Recent Performance
Udinese has seen a mixed bag of results lately, with a single victory, one draw, and three losses. However, they recently lifted their spirits with a 2-1 win over Cagliari. This victory sparks a glimmer of hope following a rough patch. Udinese’s performance has been shaky on the road, but they are expected to thrive in their familiar surroundings.
Their recent matches highlight some defensive lapses, as reflected by eight goals conceded in five games. However, their home form offers better prospects, providing them with a promising stage to show their potential against Monza.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-03 | Cagliari | 1-2 (A) |
| 2025-04-28 | Bologna | 0-0 (H) |
| 2025-04-23 | Torino | 2-0 (A) |
| 2025-04-11 | AC Milan | 0-4 (H) |
| 2025-04-04 | Genoa | 1-0 (A) |
Udinese Key Players
Lorenzo Lucca is Udinese’s star striker and top scorer, having netted 10 goals this season. Yet, there’s a hiccup as he might miss the game due to a calf injury. If Lucca sits out, players like Keinan Davis will need to step up. Maduka Okoye holds the fort between the posts, essential for keeping clean sheets.
In the midfield, the likes of Jaka Bijol and Sandi Lovric offer both defensive solidity and creativity. Arthur Atta, known for his energy and adaptability to wet conditions, might prove pivotal. Meanwhile, Kingsley Ehizibue could play a crucial role through his offensive prowess from the full-back position, creating threats along the flanks.
Udinese Suspensions & Injuries
Udinese faces some injury challenges. Souleymane Toure is out for the season with a knee issue. Florian Thauvin is on the road to recovery from an ankle problem but still needs assessment. Lorenzo Lucca’s availability remains uncertain due to his calf injury. Should he be out, the mantle will fall on players like Keinan Davis and Filippo Vogliacco to lead the attack.
| Player | Injury Type | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Souleymane Toure | Knee injury | Out for season |
| Florian Thauvin | Ankle injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Lorenzo Lucca | Calf injury | Doubtful |
Udinese Tactics and Formation
Udinese usually relies on a 3-5-2 formation under Kosta Runjaic. This setup allows for flexibility and balance. With wing-backs like Kingsley Ehizibue, the team aims to exploit width and pace. If Lucca is unavailable, Keinan Davis could partner someone else upfront to maintain their attacking edge. The midfield trio, comprising of players like Arthur Atta and Sandi Lovric, will look to control the game’s tempo. The defensive trio ensures stability and effective transitions.
Monza Team Overview
Monza Recent Performance
Monza’s current form is not pretty. They’ve lost their last five league matches, scoring just once and conceding 11 times. Their recent 0-4 loss against Atalanta at home shines a harsh light on their struggle. Moreover, they’ve failed to keep a single clean sheet, showcasing defensive frailties.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-04 | Atalanta | 0-4 (H) |
| 2025-04-27 | Juventus | 0-2 (A) |
| 2025-04-19 | Napoli | 0-1 (H) |
| 2025-04-12 | Venezia | 1-0 (A) |
| 2025-04-05 | Como | 1-3 (H) |
Monza Key Players
Despite the gloomy season, Dany Mota stands out as Monza’s primary scorer with five goals. Stefano Turati, in goal, braces for a challenging match and will need to be at his best. With an attacking thrust, Pedro Pereira might add a spark, even though they miss key figures in midfield. If Gaetano Castrovilli can inspire some creativity, it might help Monza unsettle Udinese, even briefly. Also, defenders like Andrea Carboni will have to manage immense pressure.
Monza Suspensions & Injuries
Monza has their share of injury troubles. Matteo Pessina’s thigh injury rules him out until early June. Other players like Armando Izzo and Keita Baldé are also on the injury list, limiting Monza’s options further.
| Player | Injury Type | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Matteo Pessina | Thigh injury | Early June 2025 |
| Keita Baldé | Hip injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Armando Izzo | Groin injury | Mid-May 2025 |
| Silvere Ganvoula | Physical discomfort | Mid-May 2025 |
| Roberto Gagliardini | Physical discomfort | Mid-May 2025 |
| Kevin Zeroli | Physical discomfort | Mid-May 2025 |
| Luca Caldirola | Muscle injury | Late May 2025 |
Monza Tactics and Formation
Managed by Alberto Nesta, Monza often sets up in a 3-5-2 formation. Wing-backs like Pereira and Castrovilli are crucial in providing width. Up front, Caprari partners with Mota as a formidable duo, also contributing defensively. Their central midfield trio provides defensive support, while their defense will primarily focus on handling Udinese’s attacks.
Head-to-head and Match Conditions
Udinese has the upper hand in recent head-to-head encounters, remaining unbeaten in their last two meetings with Monza this season. The light rain and balmy 22°C forecast suggest a slick pitch encouraging quick play—something Udinese might relish more than their opponents.
Betting Insight
Despite Monza’s woes and certain relegation, betting interest focuses on Udinese’s stronger figures, especially with the home advantage. Udinese can ride their recent form and morale boost from the Cagliari win. Monza’s defensive frailties, having let in 11 goals in five matches, indicate an opportunity for Udinese to pounce early.
The betting tip highlights Udinese’s chance to lead at halftime, leveraging their better record against Monza. Given the wet conditions, strategically, bettors might explore also leveraging Udinese not conceding, given Monza’s poor scoring record lately.
| Market | Selection | Odds Range |
|---|---|---|
| First Half Winner | Udinese | 2.05 – 2.10 |
A look at the First Half Winner market places positive expectations on Udinese’s home advantage. The odds of Udinese capturing the first half position them as favorites due to superior form.
Could this be Udinese’s Day?
For those predicting lower goal scores, betting on under 3.5 goals may be wise given Monza’s goal drought. Also, considering Monza’s inability to bag a clean sheet, Udinese’s own defensive prowess might be something to hedge bets on this fixture.
| Market | Selection | Odds Range |
|---|---|---|
| First Half Winner | Udinese | 2.05 – 2.10 |
With favorable conditions for Udinese, bettors can anticipate a potentially strong early showing. Watch out for maneuvers that might cause opportunities due to the game dynamics. This clash promises drama as Udinese seeks to assert dominance and Monza hopes for a silver lining to a difficult season.
