- Fixture: Udinese vs AC Milan
- Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
- Venue: Bluenergy Stadium (Stadio Friuli), Udine, Italy
- Kick-off Time: 19:45 BST
Match Preview
Udinese and AC Milan are set to clash in a pivotal Serie A encounter on Friday evening at the Bluenergy Stadium. With both teams sitting mid-table—Udinese in 11th place with 40 points and AC Milan in 9th with 48—this match carries significant implications for their respective campaigns. While Udinese hopes to secure a top-half finish under Kosta Runjaic, AC Milan is fighting to keep their slim hopes of European qualification alive.
Udinese enters this fixture on a poor run of form, having suffered three consecutive league defeats, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Genoa last weekend. Despite their recent struggles, Udinese has shown flashes of quality this season, particularly through their attacking duo of Lorenzo Lucca and Florian Thauvin. However, their defensive frailties have been exposed in recent weeks, and the absence of their first-choice goalkeepers—Maduka Okoye and Razvan Sava—due to injuries has left them vulnerable at the back. Veteran Daniele Padelli is expected to start in goal, but his lack of recent match experience could be a concern.
AC Milan comes into this match buoyed by a spirited 2-2 draw against Fiorentina last weekend, where they fought back from two goals down. This result showcased their resilience but also highlighted defensive lapses that have plagued them throughout the season. The Rossoneri have conceded eight goals in the opening ten minutes of matches this campaign—a worrying trend they must address. On the injury front, Santiago Gimenez is recovering from a rib bruise sustained against Fiorentina but remains a doubt for this game. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still sidelined after appendix surgery, but Tammy Abraham is expected to lead the line after overcoming fatigue.
Historically, these teams have been closely matched. In their last 35 meetings, AC Milan holds a slight edge with 14 wins compared to Udinese’s 12, while nine matches ended in draws. Their most recent encounter saw Milan emerge victorious, adding extra motivation for Udinese to turn the tide on home soil.
Key Players
Udinese
- Lorenzo Lucca: With 12 goals this season, Lucca is Udinese’s primary goal threat and will look to exploit Milan’s shaky defense.
- Florian Thauvin: The Frenchman has contributed 10 goals and provides creativity and experience in attack.
AC Milan
- Christian Pulisic: The American winger has been instrumental for Milan with nine goals and numerous assists this season. His pace and vision will be key against Udinese’s weakened defense.
- Rafael Leão: Known for his explosive dribbling and ability to create chances out of nothing, Leão remains one of Milan’s most dangerous players.
Prediction
This match promises to be an intriguing contest between two sides with contrasting recent fortunes. Udinese’s home advantage could play a role, but their defensive issues may leave them exposed against Milan’s dynamic attackers. On the other hand, AC Milan’s inconsistency makes it difficult to predict whether they can capitalize on Udinese’s weaknesses. A hard-fought draw seems likely, with a predicted scoreline of 1-1.
Betting Markets
| Market | Odds | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| AC Milan to win | 2/1 | Bet Now |
| Draw | 12/5 | Bet Now |
| Udinese to win | 7/2 | Bet Now |
| Over 2.5 goals | 5/6 | Bet Now |
| Both teams to score (Yes) | 4/5 | Bet Now |
With both teams struggling defensively but possessing attacking firepower, markets like “Over 2.5 Goals” or “Both Teams to Score” offer attractive options for bettors.
