Udinese vs Atalanta

Udinese have really hit hard times of late and will be hoping to find the right balance at home as they face off against Atalanta at the Stadio Friuli in week 26. Atalanta were big winners last week and will look to build off of the performance this week.

The side managed by Marino were beaten away to Parma on their visit to the Stadio Ennio Tardini by a score 2-0. That was their 4^th loss in the last 5 matches during which they have conceded 13 goals. Part of the reason for the struggles has been the loss of Colombian center back Zapata. He is the player who organizes the Udinese back line and consequently the most important player in their 3 man back line system. At this time he is expected to miss out once more. Still, despite all their recent struggles the friuliani are still in a very respectable 6^th place of the Serie A table with 36 points. They are 1 point up on 7^th place Sampdoria and 6 points back of 5^th place AC Milan. Notwithstanding injuries to the aforementioned Zapata along with De Martino, Asamoah, Obodo and Mesto, Marino will stick with the 3-4-3 with Lukovic, Felipe and Zapotocny forming the defense. Meanwhile, Handanovic returns in goal for Chimenti.

Atalanta were absolutely brilliant during their midweek match at home to Sampdoria as they scored a comfortable 4-1 victory. It was their 2^nd win over their last 5 matches to go along with 2 draws and 1 loss. Even more impressive is that they are averaging at least 2 goals a match over that stretch with 11 scored overall. With the 3 points the bergamaschi are now in 9^th place of the league table with 34 points. They sit just ahead of 10^th place Palermo on goal difference and 1 point behind 8^th place Genoa. The injured list this week for manager Gigi Del Neri consists of Carrozzieri, Bellini, Costinha, and Forsyth. Brazilian Ferreira Pinto will make the start on the right side of midfield, with the club’s best player Doni starting behind Floccari in attack.

This will be a very tough match for Udinese despite it taking place in their home park. They do not match up well against the very creative attack of Atlanta and the numbers spell it out clearly. Udinese have conceded 13 goals over their last 5 matches while Atalanta have scored 11 during the same span. Udinese will need to improve immensely on the defensive end just to have a chance.

Prediction: Atalanta (1-2)