Serie A | Gameweek 9

Oct 25, 2024 at 5.30pm UK

Global Energy Stadium

Udinese vs Cagliari

Match preview

Udinese left San Siro feeling pretty frustrated after losing 1-0 to Milan. They had two goals disallowed, including one that was ruled out for offside during second-half stoppage time.

Given that the Bianconeri had been playing with an extra man for over an hour, they may have expected to overturn their hosts' early lead, but they ultimately only managed to produce one legitimate shot on target.

If they'd won, it would have been a great start to Kosta Runjaic's time as head coach. He took over a team that was close to being relegated last season. But they're still six points behind Serie A leaders Napoli after eight rounds.

On top of four league wins, Udinese have also beaten two second-tier teams in the Coppa Italia, which means they'll be playing Inter Milan in the last 16 in December.

Between now and then, Udinese have a busy schedule, starting with Friday's game against Cagliari. They drew twice with Cagliari in Serie A last season, and Cagliari also beat Udinese in a cup match between the teams.

The Rossoblu are on a roll and might be able to pull off a repeat performance 11 months later. They've got three great results under their belt and will be heading north as a result.

Davide Nicola's team relied on late goals to secure their first league win of the season against promoted Parma and then held off Scudetto contenders Juventus to draw 1-1 at the start of October.

When they came back from the international break, Cagliari let a lead slip against Torino, but then turned the game around inside the final 20 minutes, edging a five-goal thriller in Sardinia.

Nicola has also led his team to victory in the Coppa Italia against Serie B sides Carrarese and Cremonese. This has set up another meeting with Juve, so his first few months as manager of the Isolani can be considered a success.

Recent Performance

Udinese Serie A form:WWLLWL

Udinese form (all competitions):WLWLWL

Cagliari Serie A form:LLLWDW

Cagliari form (all competitions):LLWWDW

Injuries and suspensions

Udinese

31 Thomas Kristensen

14 Arthur Atta

10 Florian Thauvin(uncertain)

-- Gerard Deulofeu

Cagliari

33 Adam Obert

21 Jakub Jankto

30 Leonardo Pavoletti

Team News

Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca and French forward Florian Thauvin have been Udinese's top Serie A scorers this season, each netting three times so far. They're expected to resume their partnership this weekend.

The latter is hoping to return from a hip problem, but fellow forward Alexis Sanchez will have to wait a little longer to make his second debut for the Friulani due to a calf injury.

The only other player who might miss out for the hosts is centre-back Thomas Kristensen, who is still struggling with a muscular issue. So it looks like Kosta Runjaic will stick with most of the starting XI that lined up against Milan.

Meanwhile, Cagliari are likely to be without Jakub Jankto and Leonardo Pavoletti once again, but Adam Obert could be back in action after an adductor injury that saw him leave Slovakia's UEFA Nations League camp early.

Davide Nicola might even keep the same team on Friday evening. Yerry Mina and Sebastiano Luperto – who hasn't missed a minute of league action so far – will probably start at the heart of the Isolani's defence.

Possible starting lineups

Udinese possible starting lineup:

Okoye; Kabasele, Bijol, Toure; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Zarraga, Zemura; Thauvin, Lucca

Cagliari possible starting lineup:

Scuffet; Zappa, Mina, Luperto; Zortea, Makoumbou, Adopo, Augello; Viola, Luvumbo; Piccoli