AC Milan will travel to face unbeaten Udinese on Saturday evening in a highly anticipated Serie A clash. The Rossoneri are chasing their third straight league win, while the Friulani are aiming to complete a Milan double after defeating Inter earlier this season.
AC Milan Seeking Third Consecutive Win
After a shock defeat on the opening day, AC Milan have bounced back with victories against Lecce and Bologna. Last week’s 1-0 win over Bologna saw Luka Modric, celebrating his 40th birthday, lead the midfield with class.
Under Massimiliano Allegri’s return, Milan’s defense has tightened significantly, with three clean sheets in their last four fixtures across all competitions. With a Coppa Italia tie against Lecce approaching, the Rossoneri are eager to build momentum in Serie A.
The Rossoneri’s recent record against Udinese is strong. They secured a 4-0 win in Udine last season and have scored seven goals in their last two away matches against the Friulani. Allegri’s men will hope to extend that run.
Udinese Confident After Beating Inter
Udinese have enjoyed a strong start to the new campaign. After knocking Carrarese out of the Coppa Italia, they stunned Inter 2-1 in August and most recently defeated promoted Pisa in Serie A.
Kosta Runjaic’s side are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions, showing both defensive solidity and attacking efficiency. However, their home form in Serie A remains a concern, with six matches without a win at the Dacia Arena.
Despite that, Udinese will be motivated to take down both Milan clubs early in the season and prove they are contenders for a European spot.
Team News: Injuries and Suspensions
AC Milan
Milan face several injury concerns ahead of the trip. Striker Santiago Gimenez is yet to score this season and may lose his spot, with Christopher Nkunku, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leao (still recovering from a calf issue) competing for places in attack.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan is doubtful after missing training with a knock, meaning Pietro Terracciano could start. Defender Strahinja Pavlovic is also in danger of missing out due to a flexor problem.
Milan Predicted XI: Terracciano; Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter; Saelemaekers, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic; Nkunku.
Udinese
The hosts remain without suspended goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, while Sandi Lovric is sidelined with a calf injury. Vakoun Bayo is a doubt, but Keinan Davis has returned to fitness and is expected to lead the line after impressing against Inter.
Udinese Predicted XI: Sava; Bertola, Kristensen, Solet; Ehizibue, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, Atta, Zemura; Bravo, Davis.
Prediction: Tight Battle in Udine
With Allegri suspended and watching from the stands, AC Milan will need to remain disciplined in defense to extend their winning streak. Udinese’s strong start and attacking form suggest this will be a close contest.
Prediction: Udinese 1-1 AC Milan.
Conclusion: Clash of Ambitions
Saturday’s fixture between Udinese and AC Milan promises intensity, with both teams chasing top-four ambitions. Milan aim to continue their winning run, while Udinese hope to remain unbeaten and take down both Milanese giants early in the campaign. The result could have early implications for the Serie A standings.
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