In the middle of the week, Juventus’ winning streak was extended to seven games. On Saturday, when Udinese visits Turin, they hope to extend their winning streak once more.
Juventus came within seven points of first place in Serie A after pulling off another victory at Cremonese, while Udinese managed just one point against Empoli at home as their losing streak continued.
Juventus finished the 2022 season on a high note by winning six straight league games, partially making up for a difficult period both on and off the field in recent months. On Wednesday, they began the new year in Cremona, where they had never lost in Serie A.
As stoppage time approached, it appeared Juve would begin 2023 in a lukewarm manner with no signs of a breakthrough against a promoted team that had yet to win since returning to the top flight. However, Arkadiusz Milik had other plans.
With his 91st-minute goal, the Polish striker not only secured his team’s seventh straight victory but also effectively kept the Old Lady third in the standings, one point ahead of old rivals Inter and just two behind second-placed Milan.
Max Allegri’s team still needs to catch up to league leaders Napoli, who were finally defeated in midweek, by seven points, but as the second half of the season approaches, aspirations of winning the Scudetto for the first time in three years are very much back on the table.
Juventus’ strong defensive play has been the foundation of their recent success, and because of the work of their two goalkeepers and summer acquisition Bremer, they have not given up a goal during their winning streak. That is the longest winning streak they have had since 2018, when Allegri’s first season as manager of the team was almost complete.
Prior to the game on Saturday, Juventus has a good chance of winning because 10 of their previous 13 league encounters with Udinese have resulted in victories, and following their most recent 2-0 victory over the Friulani in Turin, they have won each of their previous six meetings with them there.
In total, Udinese has lost 65 Serie A games to Juventus, which is more than any other opponent.
The current Andrea Sottil team, then, obviously has their work cut out for them this weekend, especially given the fact that they travel to the Allianz Stadium on a troubling run of eight games without a league victory.
To retrieve a point against Empoli on Wednesday, Roberto Pereyra’s goal halfway through the second half was necessary. The former Juventus midfielder has been in outstanding form this year, providing five assists to his teammates.
Udinese had the majority of the ball and outshot their Tuscan opponents in terms of shots on goal, but they have only scored six goals in their last seven league games and last had success at the beginning of October.
Having previously jumped into the top four thanks to Sottil’s quick start in charge, they have since fallen to eighth after six draws and two losses. The last time the Bianconeri finished in the top half was ten years ago. Despite starting as clear underdogs on Saturday night, they can still aim for a season that is relatively successful.
Juventus Team News
Dusan Vlahovic is one of many Juventus players still out injured this weekend, despite the team’s best run of results so far this year. In his absence, the front line is led up front by Arkadiusz Milik, who has scored against Udinese in each of his last two games.
Due to an adductor issue, Captain Leonardo Bonucci is also out again, along with Juan Cuadrado and long-term absentee Paul Pogba. Juan Cuadrado is also unavailable.
Allegri is optimistic that World Cup champion Angel Di Maria will heal from his ankle problem and join Paredes in the running for the starting XI. Federico Chiesa, who is stepping up his comeback, is expected to play again, and Adrien Rabiot, who is currently on the bench, hopes to move up.
Possible Lineup
Szczesny; Danilo, Bremer, Alex Sandro; McKennie, Paredes, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostic; Milik, Moise Kean
Udinese Team News
Adam Masina, who might not play again this season after rupturing his ACL, will undoubtedly miss the game for Udinese, and Gerard Deulofeu’s involvement is still in doubt because of a foot injury.
If Deulofeu is unable to travel to Turin, Isaac Success will most likely to tag Beto in attack. The versatile midfielder Roberto Pereyra, who has recently played on the right flank for Juventus, played 48 league games there between 2014 and 2016.
Possible Lineup
Silvestri; Perez, Becao, Bijol; Roberto Pereyra, Samardzic, Walace, Arslan, Udogie; Isaac Success, Beto
Overall, this should be an exciting match between two teams that are evenly matched. While Juventus are the favourites, Udinese have the quality to cause an upset, and it will be interesting to see how the match plays out.
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