Udinese vs Inter

The Serie A title race moves to the Bluenergy Stadium today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as league leaders Inter Milan face a mid-table Udinese. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 CET (14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET).

Inter enters this fixture under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, looking to extend their lead at the top of the table while avenging a 2–1 loss to Udinese earlier this season.

Match Information

Inter Milan Team News and Tactical Outlook

Inter Milan currently leads Serie A with 46 points after 20 matches, holding a three-point cushion over rivals AC Milan. Despite their strong position, Chivu is navigating a significant injury crisis in midfield and defense, complicated by a looming Champions League tie against Arsenal.

Injury and Selection Updates:

• Major Absence: Hakan Calhanoglu (calf) is sidelined for approximately three weeks. His absence removes a primary source of goals and set-piece delivery.

• Defensive Crisis: Denzel Dumfries (ankle) and Tomas Palacios (muscle) are ruled out. Goalkeeper Josep Martinez is also unavailable.

• Selection Note: To manage fatigue, Marcus Thuram is expected to start on the bench, with Francesco Pio Esposito likely to partner Lautaro Martinez up front.

• Key Player: Lautaro Martinez remains the focal point, though he is seeking to end a three-game scoreless streak in league play.

Udinese Team News and Tactical Outlook

Udinese sits in 10th place with 26 points. While their form has been inconsistent (W2, D2, L2 in their last six), they have proven to be "giant killers" at home this season, having already defeated Napoli and Atalanta at the Bluenergy Stadium.

Injury and Selection Updates:

• Suspended: Standout forward Nicolo Zaniolo is unavailable due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

• Injured: Polish striker Adam Buksa (thigh) and Jordan Zemura (leg) are confirmed absentees.

• Tactical Approach: Manager Kosta Runjaić is expected to employ a 3-5-1-1 system, utilizing Keinan Davis as a physical target man to disrupt Inter's back three.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Inter Milan (3-5-2)

• Goalkeeper: Sommer

• Defense: Bisseck, Acerbi, Bastoni

• Midfield: Luis Henrique, Sucic, Barella, Frattesi, Dimarco

• Attack: Lautaro Martinez, Pio Esposito

Udinese (3-5-1-1)

• Goalkeeper: Okoye

• Defense: Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet

• Midfield: Zanoli, Miller, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Bertola

• Attack: Atta (Second Striker); Davis (Striker)

Head-to-Head (H2H) and Recent Form

• Reverse Fixture: Udinese shocked Inter with a 2–1 win in August 2025.

• Recent Form: Inter has won seven of their last eight Serie A matches (D1), including five consecutive away victories.

• Historical Advantage: Inter has beaten Udinese 55 times in Serie A history and has scored in each of their last 11 meetings against the Friulians.

Match Prediction

Udinese's ability to frustrate elite teams at home makes this a potential "banana skin" fixture for the Nerazzurri. However, Inter’s superior depth and defensive record (10 clean sheets this season) should provide enough stability to navigate the absence of Calhanoglu.

Final Score Prediction: Udinese 0–1 Inter Milan