Udinese vs Lazio

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Date & Time: August 24, 2024, 5:30 PM UK
Venue: Global Energy Stadium
Teams: Udinese vs. Lazio
Matchweek: 2 of the 2024/25 Serie A Season

Introduction

As the 2024/25 Serie A season gathers momentum, Udinese is set to host Lazio in what promises to be an intriguing clash at the Global Energy Stadium. With both teams aiming to build on their performances from the opening week, this encounter offers a wealth of tactical battles, player performances, and managerial strategies to dissect. Lazio comes into this game with a renewed sense of purpose under new head coach Marco Baroni, while Udinese, now under the stewardship of Kosta Runjaic, looks to solidify their position in the top flight after a turbulent previous season.

Lazio: A New Era Begins

Lazio's start to the new season has been nothing short of dramatic. Under the guidance of their new manager, Marco Baroni, the Biancocelesti were tested early in their opening match against Venezia. Conceding a goal within the first three minutes, Lazio had to dig deep to turn the game around. The team’s new main striker, Taty Castellanos, who replaced the legendary Ciro Immobile, quickly made his mark by leveling the score. The momentum shifted further in Lazio’s favor when Mattia Zaccagni, donning the captain’s armband for the first time, confidently converted a penalty to give his team the lead. A late own goal by Venezia sealed a 3-1 victory, marking a successful start to Baroni’s tenure.

This victory extended Lazio's unbeaten run to eight matches, dating back to the previous season. This streak equals their best run since Simone Inzaghi's departure for Inter Milan in 2021. However, Lazio's recent history has been marred by inconsistency, with the team enduring a turbulent campaign under Maurizio Sarri and Igor Tudor. Baroni’s appointment was met with skepticism from fans, but his early success has begun to quell some doubts. The challenge now is to maintain this momentum and guide Lazio to a top-four finish, which eluded them last season as they settled for seventh place.

One of the key factors in Lazio’s favor is their impressive record against Udinese in recent years. The Biancocelesti have not lost in their last 11 league encounters in Udine, winning eight of those matches. This historical advantage will undoubtedly provide a psychological boost as they prepare to face the Friulani on their home turf.

Udinese: A Season of Resilience and Renewal

Udinese, on the other hand, had a more modest start to their Serie A campaign. Under the new leadership of Kosta Runjaic, the team managed to secure a point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Bologna. The match saw Udinese display their resilience, coming from behind after conceding just before the hour mark. Despite a missed penalty by Florian Thauvin, the Friulani equalized through a Lautaro Giannetti header, salvaging a valuable point on the road.

Runjaic, who took over from Fabio Cannavaro this summer, has inherited a team that narrowly avoided relegation last season. Udinese’s propensity for drawing games almost cost them their Serie A status, but Cannavaro’s late intervention kept them afloat. Now, with a new manager at the helm, the Bianconeri are looking to move away from the lower reaches of the table and establish themselves as a mid-table force.

Their opening week draw extends Udinese’s unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches, a sequence that includes a convincing 4-0 Coppa Italia win over Avellino. This is their best run of form in the top flight since late 2022, suggesting that Runjaic's methods are beginning to take effect. However, the challenge against Lazio will be significantly tougher, especially given Udinese’s poor record in this fixture.

The last time Udinese managed to secure consecutive league victories over Lazio was nearly two decades ago. Although they did achieve a surprising 2-1 win at the Stadio Olimpico in their last meeting in March, replicating that success will require a near-perfect performance from Runjaic's side.

Tactical Overview

Lazio’s Approach:
Lazio under Marco Baroni has shown signs of adopting a more proactive approach. The team's pressing intensity and quick transitions were evident in their opening match against Venezia. With Taty Castellanos leading the line, Lazio has a striker capable of both holding up play and making incisive runs behind the defense. Mattia Zaccagni's role as captain adds an extra layer of responsibility, and his ability to influence games from the left flank will be crucial.

In midfield, Matteo Guendouzi and Nicolò Rovella provide a blend of creativity and tenacity, ensuring Lazio can both control possession and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. The full-backs, Manuel Lazzari and Adam Marušić, offer width and pace, contributing to both the defensive and offensive phases. Lazio's defensive solidity will be key, especially in handling Udinese’s counter-attacking threats.

Udinese’s Strategy:
Kosta Runjaic’s Udinese is likely to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. The team’s 3-5-2 formation allows them to be compact in defense while offering flexibility in attack. Florian Thauvin, despite his penalty miss last week, remains a crucial figure in Udinese’s attacking setup, providing creativity and goal-scoring potential.

Lorenzo Lucca, Udinese's towering striker, will be tasked with leading the line and ending his nine-game Serie A goal drought. Supported by Thauvin and Sandi Lovric in midfield, Udinese will look to exploit Lazio’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly through set-pieces and crosses into the box.

Defensively, Udinese will rely on the experience of Nehuén Pérez and Rodrigo Becão to keep Lazio’s attackers at bay. The potential return of Danish defender Thomas Kristensen from injury could further bolster their backline. However, the absence of Alexis Sanchez due to injury will be a significant loss, particularly in terms of creativity and leadership.

Key Players to Watch

• Taty Castellanos (Lazio): The Argentine forward has the daunting task of filling Ciro Immobile's shoes as Lazio's main goal-scorer. His performance against Venezia suggests he is more than capable, and his ability to link up play and finish chances will be pivotal in this match.

• Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio): Lazio’s new captain, Zaccagni, is a dynamic winger who can change the course of a game with his dribbling, pace, and eye for goal. His leadership will be under scrutiny as he attempts to guide Lazio through a tricky away fixture.

• Florian Thauvin (Udinese): The French winger is Udinese’s creative lynchpin. Despite missing a penalty last week, Thauvin remains a constant threat with his dribbling skills, vision, and set-piece delivery. Lazio will need to keep a close eye on him.

• Lorenzo Lucca (Udinese): The tall striker is in the midst of a goal drought, but his physical presence and aerial ability make him a dangerous option in the box. Udinese will look to him to lead the line and capitalize on any defensive lapses by Lazio.

Team News and Possible Lineups

Udinese:
Udinese will be without their star player, Alexis Sanchez, who has sustained an injury in training. The Chilean veteran is expected to be sidelined until after the international break. Danish defender Thomas Kristensen might return from a muscular issue, which would be a boost for the Friulani’s defense. Lazar Samardzic's departure to Atalanta BC leaves a void in midfield, likely to be filled by the pairing of Martin Payero and Sandi Lovric. Lorenzo Lucca will lead the attack, aiming to break his Serie A goal drought.

Predicted Starting XI:
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye
Defenders: Nehuén Pérez, Rodrigo Becão, Lautaro Giannetti
Midfielders: Kingsley Ehizibue, Martin Payero, Sandi Lovric, Hassane Kamara, Florian Thauvin
Forwards: Brenner, Lorenzo Lucca

Lazio:
Lazio will miss the services of Mario Gila, who is still recovering from a thigh injury. The rest of the squad is fit and available, and Marco Baroni is likely to stick with the same lineup that started against Venezia. New signings Gaetano Castrovilli, Loum Tchaouna, and Boulaye Dia will be pushing for a place in the starting eleven.

Predicted Starting XI:
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Ivan Provedel
Defenders: Manuel Lazzari, Nicolò Casale, Alessio Romagnoli, Adam Marušić
Midfielders: Kelechi Dele-Bashiru, Nicolò Rovella, Matteo Guendouzi
Forwards: Isaac Noslin, Taty Castellanos, Mattia Zaccagni

Head-to-Head: A Historical Perspective

The head-to-head record between Udinese and Lazio is heavily skewed in favor of the Biancocelesti. In the last 11 Serie A encounters at Udine, Lazio has emerged victorious in eight matches, with the remaining three ending in draws.