Overview
Last weekend, Udinese came from behind to beat Fiorentina 2-1. This was the second victory in the last three rounds of Serie A for coach Kosta Runjaic's team and their seventh win since the start of the season. The team at Stadio Friuli is currently in the top half of the rankings.
With their form gradually improving, Udinese can be confident in welcoming Torino. Udinese's hopes will be placed on Lorenzo Lucca, the striker who has scored 8 goals this season. Notably, 7/8 goals of the Italian striker have brought the final victory to the representative of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region.
Torino are going through a difficult period. Coach Paolo Vanoli's team has only won 1 out of the last 8 Serie A rounds and suffered 5 defeats.
Torino's biggest problem is their attack, as they have failed to score in 6 of their last 8 matches and have only scored 2 goals.
Both teams have been unconvincing in recent times. Torino have a weak attack but a decent defence. Therefore, this will be a tight match with few goals.
In terms of head-to-head record, Udinese is at a disadvantage when they only won against Torino once in the last 5 encounters.
Human resources situation
Udinese could welcome back key defender Jaka Bijol this weekend, after the Slovenian centre-back missed the win over Fiorentina through injury.
Meanwhile, midfielder Martin Payero has also returned to training after a month on the sidelines. However, Oier Zarraga, Keinan Davis and Lautaro Giannetti are still unable to return.
On the other side of the front line, Torino will be without Duvan Zapata for a long time. However, the visitors' defense will be strengthened thanks to the return of Saul Coco.
Expected lineup:
Udinese: Sava, Kristensen, Bijol, Toure, Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Zemu, Thauvin, Lucca.
Torino: Milinkovic-Savic, Maripan, Coco, Masina, Pedersen, Ricci, Linetty, Vlasic, Sosa, Adams, Sanabria.
The match between Udinese and Torino takes place at 18:30 on December 30 (Vietnam time).
