Sabasports Match Preview
Italian Serie A: Udinese vs Atalanta
Kickoff Time: 2024-01-11 22:00 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
Udinese has achieved seven wins, four draws, and eight losses, with an unbeaten rate in the league reaching 57.89%. Their performance is above average, largely because the team has adopted a 3-5-2 formation, a tactic that strong teams like Inter and Juventus have also used to achieve good results. In Udinese’s tactical system, five midfield players can effectively block and slow down the opponent’s attacking pace, while also providing support for their teammates in the attack. Originally, Udinese was a team adept at quick counterattacks, and with enhanced midfield interception capabilities, the team’s counterattack efficiency and speed have significantly improved. However, the team is currently affected by injuries and suspensions, which has greatly reduced their overall strength. Notably, the main striker Lorenzo Lucca is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards; he is the team’s top scorer with seven goals, and at 2.01 meters tall, he is a key aerial threat, often playing a crucial role in counterattacks. Besides Lorenzo Lucca, starting center-back Lautaro Giannetti is likely to remain absent due to muscle fatigue, and the starting goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has undergone surgery and is expected to return only in March. From recent matches, the experience and skill of the second-choice goalkeeper Razvan Sava are not on par with Okoye; most critically, he has a limited range of movement and often struggles during corner and free-kick situations.
Atalanta is in excellent form, trailing league leaders Napoli by just three points and is in contention for this season’s Serie A championship. Despite being impacted by competing on multiple tournaments, the team’s league performance has not declined, currently sitting on a 13-match unbeaten streak, during which they scored 33 goals and conceded nine, demonstrating good performances on both offense and defense. The reasons for Atalanta’s strong attacking and defensive performances this season can be summarized in three points. First, there are no serious injuries in the squad, especially in the defense, where all key players are available to play. Second, they have transitioned from a 5-man midfield to a 6-man midfield, relying on strong off-the-ball movement and passing to create opportunities. Compared to last season, the team is making better use of the width of the pitch, enhancing midfield control while also strengthening wing attacks. Statistically, the team averages 12.3 key passes per game, the highest in the league, and averages 8.2 interceptions per game, third in the league. Third, star players have made a significant impact. Among them, striker Mateo Retegui has scored 12 goals and provided three assists, winger Ademola Lookman has nine goals and five assists, and attacking midfielder Charles De Ketelaere has five goals and five assists; their dribbling and physical ability have become crucial for breaking through opposing defenses.
Atalanta’s attack is full of variation and unpredictability. Even when opponents press, Atalanta’s players are willing to leave their defensive positions to block the opponent. Facing Atalanta’s aggressive tactics, Udinese, which has lost its core offensive and defensive players, may face defeat.
Udinese’s Last 5 Games: DDWLL
25-01-05 Hellas Verona 0-0 Udinese
24-12-29 Udinese 2-2 Torino
24-12-24 Fiorentina 1-2 Udinese
24-12-20 Inter 2-0 Udinese
24-12-15 Udinese 1-3 Napoli
Atalanta’s Last 5 Games: LDWWW
25-01-03 Inter 2-0 Atalanta
24-12-29 Lazio 1-1 Atalanta
24-12-23 Atalanta 3-2 Empoli
24-12-19 Atalanta 6-1 Cesena FC
24-12-14 Cagliari 0-1 Atalanta
Head To Head Record:
24-11-10 Atalanta 2-1 Udinese
24-01-27 Atalanta 2-0 Udinese
23-11-12 Udinese 1-1 Atalanta
23-03-05 Atalanta 0-0 Udinese
22-10-09 Udinese 2-2 Atalanta
Prediction: Atalanta to win