Hellas Verona vs Udinese

Hellas Verona

<p>Verona sit at the foot of the table after Monday's goalless draw at Cremonese, extending a six-match winless run (0W, 2D, 4L). They have 14 points (2W, 8D, 11L) and are three points from safety, despite having won just two games so far.</p> <p>Home form has been a major contributor to their struggles. Verona have five defeats in their last six league matches at Bentegodi (1W, 0D, 5L).</p> <p>Only three sides have scored fewer than Verona’s 17 goals — Lecce (13), Parma (14) and Pisa (16) — while their 34 conceded is the worst defensive record in the division, underscoring struggles at both ends of the pitch.</p> <p>Further uncertainty clouds the Gialloblù’s preparations as key player Giovane edges closer to a move to Napoli, potentially leaving a sizeable void in attack. Injury problems also mount, with Tomáš Suslov, Martin Frese, Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro and Armel Bella-Kotchap all sidelined ahead of this clash.</p> <p>Recent head-to-head history suggests a tight contest, with four of the last six meetings ending level. Verona have been unbeaten in that spell (2W, 4D, 0L).</p> <p>Paolo Zanetti is expected to employ a 3-4-1-2 setup. Gift Orban may pair with Amin Sarr in the attacking line.</p>

Udinese

<p>Udinese arrive in Veneto with less immediate pressure but similar frustrations. Kosta Runjaić’s side sit 10th on 26 points (7W, 5D, 9L), yet one point from consecutive home results against Pisa (2-2) and Inter Milan (0-1) typifies another inconsistent campaign.</p> <p>While comfortably clear of danger, the Friulani’s inability to string results together has prevented a serious push toward the European places. Away from home, they showed resilience with a 2-1 win at Torino, ending a two-game road losing streak in the league during which they conceded six and scored once.</p> <p>That result may not offer confidence, but their record against struggling sides provides some context. Udinese are unbeaten this season against teams starting the round in the bottom three (2W, 2D, 0L), which may offer encouragement.</p> <p>Injuries also affect the visitors, with Jakub Piotrowski picking up a knock against Inter. Striker Adam Buksa remains unavailable.</p> <p>Keinan Davis may pair with Nicolò Zaniolo in a 3-5-2 pattern.</p>