Match Overview

The opening match of Serie A’s first round features Udinese hosting Hellas Verona on August 25th at the Stadio Friuli. This article provides a comprehensive preview, including expert predictions, betting odds, and key statistics for the Udinese vs. Verona encounter.

Udinese Team Analysis

Seasonal Performance and Pre-Season Form

Udinese concluded their previous campaign in 12th position, accumulating 44 points. Notably, this marks their highest finish in the last 12 Serie A seasons. Despite a less than stellar end to the league, losing their final three matches, the team showed promising form in the pre-season, securing victories in all four friendly fixtures.

Squad Changes and Key Departures

During the summer transfer window, Udinese strengthened their squad with defender Saba Goglichidze and midfielder Jakub Petrovski. Conversely, they saw the departure of key players, including defenders Jaka Bijol and Nehuén Pérez, along with last season’s top scorer, Lorenzo Lucca.

Home Form Statistics

• The club has failed to secure a win in their last five home Serie A matches (1 draw, 4 losses).
• In 5 of their last 7 home league fixtures, at least one team failed to score.
• Udinese has scored more than one goal in only 1 of their last 6 home Serie A outings.

Predicted Udinese Lineup (3-5-2)

Răzvan Sava – Thomas Kristensen, Oumar Solet, Matteo Palma – Kingsley Ehizibue, Sandi Lovrić, Jesper Karlström, Arthur Atta, Jordan Zemura – Iker Bravo, Keinan Davis.

Player Availability

Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye will miss the match due to suspension.

Hellas Verona Team Analysis

Recent League History and Pre-Season Overview

Hellas Verona is set to embark on their seventh consecutive season in Serie A. Last season, the team secured a 14th-place finish with 37 points, maintaining a six-point cushion above the relegation zone. However, they suffered 21 defeats and conceded 66 goals, with only last-placed Monza performing worse in these metrics. Over their last nine Serie A matches, Verona has managed just one victory (5 draws, 3 losses). Their summer pre-season saw them play only three friendly games, achieving a single win (1 draw, 1 loss).

Transfer Window Activity

During the off-season, Verona bolstered their ranks with defenders Victor Nelsson, Unai Nuñez, and Enzo Ebosse, midfielder Antoine Bernede, and forward Giovane. Notable departures include defender Jackson Tshatshua and midfielder Ondrej Duda.

Away Form Statistics

• The club has failed to win in 5 of their last 7 away Serie A fixtures (1 draw, 4 losses).
• Fewer than three goals were scored in 9 of the team’s last 10 away league matches.
• Verona conceded exactly 1 or 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 away Serie A games.

Predicted Hellas Verona Lineup (3-5-2)

Lorenzo Montipò – Unai Nuñez, Enzo Ebosse, Victor Nelsson – Dan Oyegoke, Suat Serdar, Antoine Bernede, Cheick Niasse, Martin Frese – Amin Sarr, Daniel Mosquera.

Injury Report

Defender Nicolas Valentini and midfielder Tomáš Suslov will be sidelined due to injuries.

Match Official

Referee Profile

Paride Tremolada (Italy)

Referee Statistics (2024/25 Serie A)

Matches officiated – 5 (Serie A, 2024/25);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 23;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.6;

Red cards shown – 2;

Average fouls per match – 24;

Penalties awarded – 60%.

Udinese vs Hellas Verona Match Prediction

Udinese’s Home Scoring Woes

Andrea Sottil’s side has not been particularly impressive in their recent home fixtures. Udinese, in particular, has struggled offensively, scoring more than one goal in only one of their last six Serie A home matches. Furthermore, they failed to find the net at all in three of these encounters.

Verona’s Away Goal Output

Hellas Verona’s away performances have also lacked attacking flair. In 9 of their last 10 away league games, the team scored only a single goal, and in five of these matches, they failed to score entirely. However, they have shown resilience defensively, conceding more than once in only one of their previous nine Serie A away fixtures.

Head-to-Head Scoring Trends

It’s also worth noting that in 6 of the last 8 direct encounters between these teams at Udinese’s home ground in the league, fewer than three goals were scored. My prediction is: Total Goals Under 2.5 with odds of 1.70