Overview
Udinese has never won the Coppa Italia but is having a favorable start to the new season. After overcoming Padova, Kosta Runjaic's team will host Venezia with the goal of winning a ticket to the next round.
Last season, Runjaic helped Udinese finish in 10th place in Serie A, continuing the team's progress in recent years. The Coppa Italia therefore brings another opportunity for Udinese to aim for higher achievements.
Udinese started the tournament from the first round and surpassed Padova, a team playing in Serie B, thanks to a goal from Keinan Davis in the first half. If they beat Venezia, they will likely face Atalanta in the round of 16.
Recent form also brings a lot of hope for the home team at Bluenergy. Udinese drew with Como in the opening match of Serie A before defeating Monza 3-2 in the most recent match.
Venezia has an unfavorable head-to-head record against Udinese. Since returning to Serie A in 2021, they have lost 1-3 in encounters with Friuli opponents. In particular, both visits to Udine ended in defeat and Venezia both conceded 3 goals.
Coppa Italy is an opportunity for Venezia to change that achievement, even though their early season form has not brought many optimistic signs.
Giovanni Stroppa's team overcame Modena in the previous round thanks to two late goals at Stadio Penzo. However, when returning to Serie A, Venezia lost to Lecce at home and AC Milan at San Siro.
After two rounds, Venezia has not won any points and has not scored in Serie A. They once defended quite well against Milan for nearly 70 minutes, but in the end still had to leave San Siro with defeat.
Venezia has just returned to Serie A for the third time in 6 years after winning the Serie B championship last season. The match against Udinese will be more meaningful than a normal cup match. It is an opportunity for Stroppa's team to regain the feeling of victory and create momentum for the journey ahead.
Udinese has home advantage and better form, while Venezia needs a different performance to create a surprise.
Personnel situation
Once again, Udinese will be without the services of Nicolo Zaniolo and Matteo Palma. Both recently joined the injury list with Alessandro Zanoli and Giorgi Chakvetadze.
Good news for coach Kosta Runjaic is that Christian Kabasele has returned after suspension. Despite Zaniolo's absence, Udinese still has many options for attack.
On Venezia's side, two strikers John Yeboah and Akor Adams both scored in the victory over Modena in the first round of the Coppa Italia. However, neither has yet found their first goal in Serie A this season.
Coach Giovanni Stroppa is likely to rotate the squad before the away match against Frosinone. This is a direct competitor to Venezia in the relegation race, so some key players may be rested in the match against Udinese.
Expected lineup:
Udinese: Okoye, Abankwah, Kabasele, Bertola, Vojvoda, Karlstrom, Zarraga, Arizala, Ekkelenkamp, Gomez, Gueye.
Venice: Montipo, Schingtienne, Bella-Kotchap, Halhal, Sagrado, Sohm, Busio, Helgason, Haps, Yeboah, Rrahmani.
The match between Udinese and Venezia takes place at 11:00 PM on September 2nd (Vietnam time).
