Overview
AC Milan only needed a goal to beat Bologna last weekend, on Luka Modric's impressive 40th birthday.
The Rossoneri responded to their Coppa Italia final defeat in May with a goal in the 60th minute at the San Siro, before maintaining their solidity to take all 3 points.
As expected, coach Massimiliano Allegri reinforced Milan's defense. And the team has kept a clean sheet in three of the four games of the new season, including a national cup win over Bari last month.
Before entering the journey to conquer the first Coppa Italia title in 23 years with a home match against Lecce, Milan will aim to extend their winning streak in Serie A.
After a surprising defeat to Cremonese at the start, the Rossoneri found the calmness and class of the Modric - Adrien Rabiot duo in midfield. Both have given Milan a more positive outlook for the rest of the season.
Milan's biggest goal is still to return to the top 4 of Serie A, especially after missing the European arena this season. They also have reason to be confident when they convincingly beat Udinese 4-0 last season, while winning all 2 of their most recent away matches against their opponents and scoring 7 goals. The Rossoneri will therefore aim to continue their impressive streak of results when traveling to friuli this weekend.
However, the home team will bring a completely different atmosphere, when they are full of excitement in the new season.
After a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in August, Udinese now have the opportunity to create a double victory against the two "big guys" Milan. And their recent form shows that this is not a distant dream.
Starting with a victory over Carrarese in Coppa Italia, Udinese continued to extend their confidence with 2 consecutive away wins in Serie A, the latest of which was 3 full points against rookie Pisa.
However, their home record is a big minus. Udinese have gone 6 consecutive matches without a win at the Dacia Arena since March, and a Milan team with disciplined defense will certainly be a difficult challenge to overcome.
Personnel situation
Milan striker Santiago Gimenez has not been on the scoresheet this season, despite having hit the goal three times. His current position is under great pressure as he has to compete with Christopher Nkunku, Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao.
In defense, Milan is at risk of losing goalkeeper number one Mike Maignan after an injury in the match against Bologna. He had to take a break from training and leave open the possibility of playing, forcing Pietro Terraccian to be ready to replace him. In addition, center back Strahinja Pavlovic could also be absent due to a muscle problem.
For Udinese, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye continues to be suspended, while Sandi lovric was sidelined with a calf injury while on duty for the Slovenia team earlier this month.
Up front, the biggest concern is Vakoun Bayo's fitness. However, coach Kosta Runjaic can rest assured as Keinan Davis has fully recovered and is in good form.
The striker has left his mark in both goals against Inter and is likely to partner Nicolo Zaniolo or Iker Bravo.
Expected lineup:
Udinese: Sava, Bertola, Kristensen, Solet, Ehizibue, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, atta, Zemura, Bravo, Davis.
AC Milan: Terracciano, Tomori, Gabbia, De Winter, Saelemaekers, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic, Nkunku.
The match between Udinese and AC Milan takes place at 1:45 am on September 21 (Vietnam time).
