Udinese vs Torino – News and Probable Lineups

With only two points separating them in the Serie A table, Udinese and Torino will face off in a mid-table encounter this Saturday afternoon.

The Friulani currently hold a slight edge over the revitalized Toro with just four matches remaining, though both teams are trailing in the quest for a top-half finish.

Match overview

After a convincing 3-0 triumph over AC Milan at San Siro, followed by a disappointing 0-1 defeat to Parma at home, Udinese completed their April engagements with a visit to Lazio in Rome on Monday evening.

Despite Kingsley Ehizibue giving the Fruilani the lead with a stunning strike, they found themselves behind 2-1 with only five minutes left on the clock, leading to a dramatic finish.

Emerging talent Arthur Atta scored twice, putting them on the brink of victory, but Lazio equalized in stoppage time, resulting in a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Nonetheless, since early March, Udinese has also secured draws against UEFA competitors Atalanta and Como, in addition to victories over Genoa and Fiorentina, showcasing their development under Kosta Runjaic.

Two years ago, the German manager inherited a team that barely avoided relegation, yet now they are competing for a rare top-half finish after finishing 12th last season.

However, the Bianconeri have struggled to find the net in their past three home matches, and another blank could push them further behind 10th-placed Sassuolo.

While Udinese managed to win the previous encounter 2-1 in January — setting the stage for their first league double over Torino since 2008 — much has changed since that fixture.

Toro, having previously fallen down the standings, made a significant coaching change that has propelled them well above the relegation zone.

Since the appointment of Roberto D’Aversa two months ago, the Granata would rank fifth in Italy’s top division, having earned 14 points from their last eight games.

Additionally, during that period, they have showcased the league’s joint-third most effective attack, netting 14 goals, trailing only Scudetto contenders Inter de Milão and high-flying Como.

Torino recently pulled off a stunning late comeback against Inter, with Giovanni Simeone continuing his impressive form before captain Nikola Vlasic leveled from the penalty spot, resulting in a 2-2 draw at home.

Now, Toro heads back on the road, aiming for a third consecutive clean sheet away from Turin, and more importantly, to secure all three points.

Team News

There are significant concerns regarding the fitness of Udinese’s top scorer Keinan Davis, who has netted 10 goals, while Jurgen Ekkelenkamp sustained an ankle injury during Monday’s match at Stadio Olimpico.

Jordânia Zemura, Nicolo Bertola, and long-term absentee Alessandro Zanoli remain sidelined through injuries, although captain Jesper Karlstrom is set to return following a suspension.

If Davis is ruled out again, several players could step up to partner Nicolo Zaniolo up front, including Adam Buksa, Vakoun Bayo, and Idrissa Gueye.

After his impressive brace against Lazio, attacking midfielder Atta has scored three times in his last three league appearances, compared to just two goals in his previous 52 matches.

Torino’s standout player is Simeone, who has recently become only the third player in history to reach double figures in a season with five different Serie A clubs.

Che Adams is expected to partner him, though Alieu Njie and Sandro Kulenovic are also options.

Former Udinese forward Duvan Zapata will not participate, joining Tino Anjorin, Ardian Ismajli, and Zakaria Aboukhlal on the injured list.

Udinese probable starting XI:

Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Ehizibue, Atta, Karlstrom, Piotrowski, Kamara; Zaniolo, Gueye

Torino probable starting XI:

Paleari; Marianucci, Coco, Ebosse; Lazaro, Ilkhan, Gineitis, Obrador; Vlasic; Adams, Simeone

With no serious pressure on either side, both clubs have performed well lately, suggesting a potentially open contest ahead.

As they vie for a spot in the top 10, Udinese could maintain their edge over Torino with a hard-fought home draw.