Udinese Faces Milan with Key Players Out in Serie A Matchup

UDINE, Italy – March 30, 2025 – Udinese will face AC Milan in a Serie A match this evening without two key attacking players, forcing coach Kosta Runjaic to make significant adjustments to his lineup.

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, a 25-year-old midfielder, is expected to start in a more attacking role due to injuries to veterans Alexis Sanchez and Florian Thauvin. Sanchez, who has a calf issue, and Thauvin, struggling with plantar fasciitis, provide critical offensive depth that Udinese will be missing.

The Gazzetta dello Sport reports Ekkelenkamp may be deployed as a second striker alongside Lorenzo Lucca, shifting from his usual central midfield position in Udinese’s 3-5-2 formation. Runjaic will be looking for creative solutions now that he has lost two integral parts of his starting eleven.

Ekkelenkamp, who has experience with several clubs—including Ajax, Hertha Berlin, and others—has been an important player throughout the season. His versatility allows him to adapt, offering Runjaic a potential path to maintain offensive pressure against a formidable Milan defense.

Meanwhile, AC Milan also faces its share of challenges. Lautaro Martinez returns from international duty with Argentina but joins Denzel Dumfries and Piotr Zielinski on the injury list. Defender Alessandro Bastoni is suspended, prompting Carlos Augusto to step into the back three alongside other key players.

As Milan aims to solidify its standing in Serie A—with second-placed Napoli in a tough clash against them tonight—the stakes are high for both sides. The match kicks off at 17:00 UK time (16:00 GMT), and Udinese will look to rebound from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Hellas Verona before the international break.

Runjaic’s tactical adjustments and Ekkelenkamp’s performance could be pivotal tonight, as Udinese seeks to capitalize on its home advantage at Stadio Friuli. With injuries and suspensions impacting both clubs, the outcome remains highly unpredictable.