The Serie A competition is set to bring an exciting matchup this weekend as Udinese faces off against Sassuolo on Sunday, February 15. This clash between two mid-table teams is crucial, especially after both suffered disappointing defeats last week. For Udinese and Sassuolo, securing a victory is essential for reigniting their competitive spirits.
Udinese’s run of form took a hit at the hands of Lecce, where they were unable to capitalize on their recent success, including a notable victory over AS Roma. The absence of key players in their attack diminished their scoring ability, leading to a defeat marked by a late goal from Lameck Banda that sent them home empty-handed. Despite this setback, Udinese has a strong home advantage, having remained unbeaten in their last six meetings against Sassuolo at the Friuli Stadium. Nevertheless, the team needs to enhance their attacking effectiveness, having struggled to score consistently at home throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Sassuolo is reeling from a severe 5-0 loss to league leaders Inter Milan, a result that not only disrupted their positive momentum but also created personnel challenges. Veteran midfielder Nemanja Matic will miss the match due to a suspension after receiving a disciplinary ban for an incident involving the referee in their last game. On a brighter note, the return of captain Domenico Berardi could provide a much-needed boost. His presence has been pivotal in the past, leading to victories against teams like Cremonese and Pisa. Berardi will be tasked with being the primary supplier for Andrea Pinamonti, who is currently in search of his first goal in a while.
As for injuries, Udinese is still awaiting the return of Keinan Davis and Alessandro Zanoli. However, they welcome back Adam Buksa and Jakub Piotrowski to full training. Nicolo Zaniolo, having recently come back from injury, is also expected to contribute significantly on the wings, adding depth to the home side’s attack alongside Jordan Zemura.
On Sassuolo’s side, coach Fabio Grosso faces the challenge of forming a cohesive strategy without key players like Matic, Edoardo Pieragnolo, and Fali Cande. The midfield will likely feature a trio of Thorstvedt, Lipani, and Kone, aimed at stabilizing team dynamics. In defense, a combination of Jay Idzes and Walukiewicz will be crucial in efforts to thwart the Udinese attackers.
Historically, Sassuolo triumphed in their first encounter in September, but their performance away from home has significantly declined, raising questions about their ability to compete effectively. Conversely, with Udinese’s solid home record, they appear poised to dominate.
Anticipation for this match is high, with expectations of a closely contested battle. Many speculate Udinese may edge Sassuolo with a scoreline of 2-1, given Sassuolo’s recent defensive vulnerabilities. The upcoming match will determine if Domenico Berardi can help flip Sassuolo’s fortunes in Udine or if Udinese will find their groove again in front of their home fans.
Predicted formations for the match are as follows:
Udinese (3-5-1-1): Okoye; Bertola, Kristensen, Solet; Ehizibue, Atta, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Zemura; Zaniolo; Bayo.
Sassuolo (4-3-3): Muric; Walukiewicz, Idzes, Muharemovic, Doig; Thorstvedt, Lipani, Kone; Berardi, Pinamonti, Lauriente.
As these two teams prepare for their encounter, fans are hopeful for thrilling drama and a resurgence of competitive spirit in Serie A.