Udinese Aims to Solidify Top-half Spot Against Struggling Hellas Verona

UDINE, Italy – In Saturday’s Serie A clash, Udinese FC will host Hellas Verona at Dacia Arena, aiming to continue their impressive streak as they fight to secure a top-half finish in the league. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. local time.

Udinese, having gone six games unbeaten in Serie A, seeks to strengthen their mid-table position following a recent 1-1 draw against Lazio. Meanwhile, Hellas enters the match desperate for points, having lost to Bologna and struggling to fend off relegation.

Despite a promising start in their recent match, Udinese’s captain took the lead against Lazio, but both teams ultimately settled for a draw. Forward Florian Thauvin has been pivotal, scoring in successive games and tallying eight goals this season, an impressive comeback following a six-year slump since his Ligue 1 peak of 16 goals.

After accumulating 40 points from 28 matches—an achievement not seen since 2013—Udinese is determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s relegation battle and potentially aim for a top-10 finish. Their recent home form has been robust, boasting seven consecutive matches unbeaten against Hellas Verona.

Conversely, Hellas Verona’s recent form has raised concerns, losing four of their last five fixtures while conceding an average of two goals per game. Last week’s match against Bologna saw the team reduced to ten men early on, ultimately leading to a 2-1 defeat. They remain four points clear of the relegation zone, relying on their destiny as they push for survival.

“Our current form needs immediate improvement if we are to avoid slipping further down the table,” said head coach Kosta Runjaic, whose team struggles to maintain a solid defense.

For Udinese, goalkeeper costumes have shifted amid injuries. Back-up keeper was sidelined, leaving the coach to recall their aging mainstay. Additionally, a significant suspension will see star defender benched for this critical clash.

Team formations show Udinese likely to line up with Okoye; Kristensen, Bijol, Solet, Zemura; Atta, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero; Sanchez, Lucca. On the other hand, Hellas is expected to go with Montipo; Dawidowicz, Coppola, Ghilardi; Tchatchoua, Niasse, Duda, Bradaric; Suslov; Mosquera, Sarr.

As both teams come into the match needing points for different reasons—Udinese to solidify a place above the fray and Hellas to stave off relegation—the encounter promises to be tense, with each side fully aware of the stakes involved.