Match Preview: Udinese vs AC Milan
The Red and Blacks will try to stretch their positive streak in Serie A as they travel to Udine to confront a friendly face from the past.
After a goalless draw in the first leg of the TIM Cup semi-final in midweek, coach Gattuso’s boys turn their focus on the league as they take on Udinese on Serie A Matchday 23 at the Dacia Arena.
AC MILAN’S FORM
The Red and Blacks are unbeaten in 2018 winning all three January matches back-to-back against Crotone, Cagliari and Lazio. The last time the Rossoneri won four in a row was back in April 2014. Since coach Gattuso’s arrival, we have sharpened our attack and we are the side to muster the most shots from outside the box in Serie A this season (190). As per the individuals, Jack Bonaventura has raised his game and has been involved in five of the last ten league goals, netting four and making one assist.
OUR OPPONENTS’ FORM
Udinese are 9th in the league with 32 points, two units behind us. The Bianconeri have won four of their last five home games against us in Serie A and will try to extend their positive record on Sunday afternoon at their stadium. Since coach Massimo Oddo’s arrival, Udinese have won 20 points. Only Napoli (22) and Juventus (25) have done better in the same period.
TEAM NEWS
Coach Gattuso can count on a fit squad to face Udinese, having only three players sidelined: Rodriguez, Conti and Storari. However, the Switzerland international will be back in full training on Monday and the latter two are expected to return very soon.
DANGERMAN
The Red and Black defence will have to keep an eye on Rodrigo De Paul. The Argentinean winger has scored three of his four goals and made four of his six assists in Serie A at the Dacia Arena this season.
LAST MATCH AT THE DACIA ARENA
Our last visit to Udine was definitely a match to forget. Not only the Rossoneri lost 2-1 (goals from Thereau and De Paul), Jack Bonaventura suffered a serious injury after scoring the provisional equaliser as well as Mattia De Sciglio just before Udinese’s second goal.
MATCH OFFICIALS FOR UDINESE V AC MILAN
Referee: Gianluca Manganiello
Assistant Referees: Alassio e Di Lorio
Fourth Official: Tagliavento