Competition: Italian Serie A
Date: 8 January 2017
Kick-off Time: 11:30 GMT
Venue: Dacia Arena, Udine
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Both Inter and Udinese will be hoping the momentum hasn’t dissipated during the winter break.
Udinese picked up an impressive 10 out of an available 12 points in December, going undefeated in the final month of the year. While they managed to muster six goals – double the amount they potted in November – the biggest reason for their recent success is their steady defence.
Goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis has only been forced to pick the ball out of his own net once in the last four matches, with clean sheets against Sampdoria, Crotone and Bologna. On the other end of the pitch, Cyril Thereau has two goals and two assists in his last three matches, and the Zebrette will need him to be at his best if they plan on picking up any points on Sunday.
Unfortunately for Udinese though, Inter have been just as hot lately, as they enter the match having won their last four matches in all competition.
Much like the Friulani, Inter have also been stellar defensively in recent weeks, having gone three consecutive games without conceding a goal. Samir Handanovic has been one of the club’s best players all season long, but the play in front of his goal has really improved
It may have taken a few weeks, but Inter really seem to be adapting well to life under Stefano Pioli. Along with the aforementioned defence, they also vamped up their attack. They now have six goals in their last three games, and will be looking forward to the challenge that Karnezis will undoubtedly provide them.
Indeed, something will have to give on Sunday when two of the league’s hottest teams lock horns.
Keep an eye on: Samir Handanovic (Inter) -With three consecutive Serie A clean sheets, it’ll be very interesting to see whether the Slovenian goalkeeper can keep the streak alive against his former club.
Form Guide: Udinese (D W W W L) Inter (W W W L W)
Last season: Udinese 0-4 Inter
Stat Fact: This fixture hasn’t seen a share of the spoils since a goalless draw in January 2008, followed by six away wins and two for the hosts.
Top Up: Under 2.5 goals.
Udinese (probable): Karnezis; Widmer, Danilo, Felipe, Samir; Fofana, Hallfredsson, Kums; Matos, Duvan Zapata, Thereau
Suspended: None
Inter (probable): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo, Ansaldi; Brozovic, Kondogbia; Candreva, Banega, Perisic; Icardi
Prediction: under 2.5
