Inter Milan is set to face Udinese at San Siro, aiming for a strong start to their Serie A campaign. Under new management and with strategic summer signings, Inter looks to capitalize on their recent dominant form. Udinese, also with squad reinforcements, hopes to challenge for a better league position. However, Inter’s home advantage, squad depth, and attacking prowess make them favorites for the match.
Inter Milan, eager to reclaim their Serie A dominance, are set to host Udinese at the iconic San Siro this weekend. The Nerazzurri, who narrowly missed out on the Scudetto last season and faced disappointment in the UEFA Champions League final, are determined to start the new campaign on a high note. The match, scheduled for Sunday at 7:45pm UK time, promises to be an intriguing encounter between two well-established Italian clubs.
Under the new management of Cristian Chivu, Inter Milan have been proactive in the summer transfer window, bolstering their squad with promising talents such as Luis Henrique, Andy Diouf, and Peter Sucic. These additions aim to inject fresh energy and quality into the team, reinforcing their ambitions for both domestic and European success. The Milanese giants are keen to demonstrate their strengthened capabilities right from the start of the season.
Inter's recent form has been impressive, highlighted by a commanding 5-0 victory against Torino in their latest league match. This dominant performance followed a 2-0 win over Olympiacos in a pre-season friendly, preceded by an equally convincing 5-3 victory against Monza. These results underscore Inter's attacking prowess and solid defensive structure, instilling confidence as they approach the clash with Udinese.
Expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation, Inter's squad boasts a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Yann Sommer is anticipated to start in goal, shielded by a formidable defensive trio of Benjamin Pavard, Francesco Acerbi, and Alessandro Bastoni. The midfield is likely to feature Denzel Dumfries, Petar Sucic, Nicolo Barella, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Federico Dimarco, providing a dynamic and creative engine for the team. Upfront, the potent strike partnership of Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez will lead the attack, aiming to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
Udinese, meanwhile, are looking to build on their mid-table finish from the previous season. Kosta Runjaic's side aims to improve upon their 12th-place standing, having reinforced their squad with signings such as Arthur Atta, Lennon Miller, Adam Buksa, and Nicolo Bertola. These additions are intended to provide greater depth and competitiveness, enhancing their chances of challenging for European qualification.
Udinese's recent form has been mixed. They head into the match against Inter on the back of a 1-1 draw with Hellas Verona. Before that, they secured a 2-0 victory over Carrarese in the Coppa Italia, following a 2-1 win against Werder Bremen in a pre-season friendly. These results highlight Udinese's resilience and ability to compete, but they will need to be at their best to overcome Inter at San Siro.
Udinese are also expected to adopt a 3-5-2 formation. Razvan Sava is likely to start in goal, with a defensive trio of Nicolo Bertola, Thomas Kristensen, and Oumar Solet. The midfield is anticipated to comprise Kingsley Ehizibue, Sandi Lovric, Jesper Karlstrom, Arthur Atta, and Jordan Zemura, tasked with controlling the game and providing support to the attack. Keinan Davis and Iker Bravo are set to lead the line, aiming to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities.
Key factors to consider include Inter Milan's dominance in possession and shot accuracy, as evidenced by their recent match against Torino, where they maintained 60% possession and registered 9 shots on target. Udinese, on the other hand, showcased their ability to control possession in their match against Hellas Verona, holding 62.8% of the ball. However, their shot accuracy needs improvement, as they only managed 4 shots on target from 14 attempts.
Given Inter Milan's superior squad depth, home advantage, and recent form, they are widely expected to secure all three points against Udinese. The Nerazzurri's attacking prowess and solid defensive structure make them a formidable opponent, and they are determined to make a statement in their opening match of the season.
Match Prediction: Inter Milan 3 - 1 Udinese
While an exact scoreline is difficult to predict, Inter's attacking strength should be the deciding factor. Expect goals from Martinez and Thuram