Inter Milan vs Udinese
Inter Milan missed their chance to solidify second spot in the Serie A standings after drawing with second-from-bottom Sampdoria over the weekend.
The draw left the Nerazzurri just three points above the chasing trio of Atalanta, Roma, and rivals AC Milan. Simone Inzaghi’s side will be hoping to pick up all three points when they host Udinese this weekend.
Udinese beat Inter 3-1 in their first meeting this season. However, the Friulani’s form has fallen off a cliff since then, and the Serie A 2023 betting odds will have the Nerazzurri as heavy favourites to get their revenge at San Siro.
Talking Points
Inter miss chance to solidify second
Second-place Inter Milan fell further behind runaway leaders Serie A Napoli – 15 points to be exact – after a disappointing goalless draw away at relegation strugglers Sampdoria.
The draw snapped Inter’s three-game win streak in all competitions, which included big 1-0 wins over Atalanta in the Coppa Italia and city rivals AC Milan in the league.
Despite dominating possession and launching 25 shots at Samp’s goal, the Nerazzurri managed just 5 shots on target. Romelu Lukaku got the start alongside World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez, but he remains stuck at just one Serie A goal in 10 appearances this season.
Aside from Joaquin Correa, Inter coach Simone Inzaghi will have a complete squad to choose from against Udinese. He may opt to make a few changes ahead of their Champions League round of 16 first leg against FC Porto. Veteran striker Edin Dzeko may very well replace the misfiring Lukaku in the starting lineup.
Inter have a stellar home record in Serie A this season. They have won 9 of their 11 matches at the San Siro with 22 goals scored, which is fourth in the league, and just 5 conceded, which is tied for the best home defensive record.
Udinese downturn continues
Udinese have experienced quite a U-turn in form. Since going on a six-game winning streak in the first few months of the season, the Friulani have won just one of their last 14 Serie A matches, with eight draws and five defeats.
That disastrous run of Serie A 2023 results has seen them drop to 8th in the standings, nine points back of sixth place, which is the final European spot.
Udinese were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo last time out as their home winless drought reached seven games.
Playmaker Roberto Pereyra (2 goals, 5 assists this season) finally made his way back to the starting lineup after missing the last month due to injury, although he lasted just 45 minutes before being replaced by Florian Thauvin.
Meanwhile, Spanish forward Gerard Deulofeu (2 goals, 6 assists) remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery, limiting Udinese’s attacking potential. The Friulani have scored just 13 goals in their last 14 games, the fourth-fewest total in Serie A during that time.
After a hot start to the season, leading scorer Beto (7 goals) has found the net just twice since Oct. 9, although he did have 4 shots against Sassuolo.
History
Inter have had the upper hand over Udinese in recent years. The Nerazzurri hold an 18-7 advantage in wins over their last 28 meetings, with just 3 draws.
Inter had gone nine games without defeat against Udinese heading into this season. However, the Fruilani fought back from an early goal down to beat Inter 3-1 at the Dacia Arena in September.
Deulofeu was fantastic in that match as he set up two of the goals, had five total shots and also hit the woodwork.
Betting Tip
SBOTOP odds have Inter Milan installed as big 1.50 favourites to beat Udinese, who are priced at 6.00 to complete the double over the Nerazzurri. A draw is 4.20.
Inter have not been all that convincing at home in recent weeks. They have scored just three goals in their last four home matches, although they did beat both Napoli and Milan 1-0.
But a visit from a struggling Udinese side seems like the perfect opportunity for Inter to get back into the goalscoring groove. I expect them to do just that en route to a comfortable home win.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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