Udinese vs Cremonese Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, May 17th

Udinese will host Cremonese at the Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli on Sunday, May 17th, in a crucial Serie A clash. This match is pivotal for both teams as they vie for important points in the league standings. Udinese, playing at home, will look to capitalise on their familiar surroundings to secure a victory against Cremonese.

Cremonese, on the other hand, will aim to upset the hosts and improve their position in the Serie A table. The Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli is set to witness an intriguing battle as both teams bring their A-game to the pitch. Fans can expect a competitive encounter as Udinese and Cremonese both have a lot at stake in this late-season matchup.

Udinese vs Cremonese Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Udinese to Win	2.35

Given Udinese’s current form and home advantage, betting on Udinese to win is a solid choice. Their recent victories and strong defensive record make them clear favourites against a struggling Cremonese side.

• Udinese have won their last two matches 2-0, showing both attacking efficiency and defensive solidity.
• Cremonese have been inconsistent, particularly on the road, and may miss key player Faris Moumbagna.
• Udinese’s home advantage and psychological edge from their recent head-to-head record give them a significant upper hand.

Betting Odds

Udinese are priced as slight favourites in this Serie A encounter, with odds of 2.35 reflecting their home advantage at the Bluenergy Stadium. However, Cremonese, with odds of 3.02, should not be underestimated, especially given their potential to upset the odds.

Betting Tip	Odds
Udinese to win	2.35
Draw	3.26
Cremonese to win	3.02

The draw is also an intriguing option at 3.26, suggesting that bookmakers anticipate a closely contested match. For those looking at goal markets, considering the over 2.5 goals could be worthwhile, given both teams’ recent form.

Udinese Analysis & Past Performance

Udinese have displayed a commendable run of form recently, securing three wins in their last five Serie A outings. This includes a crucial 2-0 away victory against Cagliari and a solid 2-0 performance at home against Torino. Currently sitting 10th in the league, Udinese have accumulated 50 points, reflecting their mid-table status.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cagliari	Udinese	0 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	9 May 2026
Udinese	Torino	2 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	2 May 2026
Lazio	Udinese	3 – 3 (Draw)	Serie A	27 Apr 2026
Udinese	Parma Calcio 1913	0 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	18 Apr 2026
AC Milan	Udinese	0 – 3 (Win)	Serie A	11 Apr 2026

Recent Form:
The team have averaged 2.00 goals per game over their last five matches, demonstrating their attacking prowess, led by top scorer Keinan Davis, who has netted 10 goals this season. Defensively, Udinese have been relatively solid, conceding an average of just 0.80 goals per game in the same period, while achieving three clean sheets. However, their home form has been less impressive, with only 2 wins out of their last 5 games at the Bluenergy Stadium.

Despite their defensive strengths, Udinese have struggled with consistency at home, reflected in their 40% win ratio in recent home fixtures. This inconsistency at home is a notable weakness that they will need to address as they face upcoming challenges. Nonetheless, the recent two-match winning streak provides positive momentum heading into their next encounter.

• WWDLW

Udinese Suspensions & Injuries

Udinese face a few notable absences that could impact their tactical setup against Cremonese. The suspension of Kingsley Ehizibue due to an accumulation of yellow cards will necessitate a reshuffle in the wing-back position. His dynamic presence will be missed, and coach Kosta Runjaic might consider deploying Hassane Kamara more defensively to fill this gap, potentially affecting the team’s attacking balance.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left	Expected Return
Kingsley Ehizibue	yellow cards	1	Unknown

Injuries also present a challenge, with Alessandro Zanoli sidelined for the season due to a cruciate ligament injury. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, recovering from a broken leg, is not expected back until early September 2026. These absences could limit Udinese’s depth, especially in maintaining a high level of defensive solidity and midfield creativity. The team may lean on Jesper Karlström and Oier Zarraga to step up their roles in the midfield.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Alessandro Zanoli	ACL injury	Out for season
Jurgen Ekkelenkamp	broken leg	Early September 2026

The absence of these key players might influence the betting markets, as Udinese’s squad depth is tested. While the core of their starting lineup remains intact, these omissions could lead to a more conservative approach, with an emphasis on maintaining possession and controlling the tempo against Cremonese.

Udinese Key Players

Udinese will heavily rely on their top scorer, Keinan Davis, who has already netted 10 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net through both clinical finishes and powerful strikes makes him a formidable presence in the forward line. Davis is expected to spearhead the attack alongside Nicolò Zaniolo, whose creativity and flair can unlock the toughest defences. Zaniolo’s role as a playmaker will be crucial in providing Davis with the opportunities to score.

Midfield maestro Jesper Karlström will be pivotal in controlling the tempo of the game, using his vision to dictate play and transition the team from defence to attack. In defence, Christian Kabasele’s leadership and aerial prowess will be vital in organising the backline and thwarting any offensive threats from Cremonese. His partnership with Oumar Solet is expected to form the backbone of Udinese’s defence.

Expected lineup for Udinese:

• Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye
• Defence: Christian Kabasele, Thomas Kristensen, Oumar Solet
• Midfield: Oier Zarraga, Jakub Piotrowski, Jesper Karlström, Arthur Atta, Hassane Kamara
• Forward: Nicolò Zaniolo, Keinan Davis

Udinese Tactics and Formation

Udinese Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Nicolò Zaniolo
• Midfield Pivot: Jesper Karlström and Jakub Piotrowski
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing-backs and counter-attacking play.

The 3-5-2 formation deployed by Kosta Runjaic allows Udinese to utilise their wing-backs, Hassane Kamara and Arthur Atta, as vital components in both defensive and offensive phases. This setup provides width and supports quick transitions, especially with Nicolò Zaniolo leading the attack alongside Keinan Davis.

Defensively, the trio of Christian Kabasele, Thomas Kristensen, and Oumar Solet is tasked with maintaining solidity at the back. This backline has contributed to three clean sheets in their last five matches, emphasising their defensive resilience.

Offensively, Udinese rely on quick counter-attacks, with Zaniolo’s creativity and Davis’s physical presence being crucial in breaking down opposition defences. The midfield, led by Karlström and Piotrowski, ensures balance in possession and defensive cover, crucial given their recent average possession of 38%.

Cremonese Analysis & Past Performance

Cremonese’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with significant struggles particularly in away fixtures. In their last five matches, Cremonese secured just one win, a convincing 3-0 victory against Pisa. However, they suffered defeats to Lazio (1-2), SSC Napoli (0-4), and Cagliari (0-1), while managing a goalless draw against Torino.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Cremonese	Pisa	3 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	10 May 2026
Cremonese	Lazio	1 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	4 May 2026
SSC Napoli	Cremonese	4 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	24 Apr 2026
Cremonese	Torino	0 – 0 (Draw)	Serie A	19 Apr 2026
Cagliari	Cremonese	1 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	11 Apr 2026

Recent Form:
Offensively, Cremonese have found the back of the net just four times in their last five games, averaging 0.80 goals per match. Their defence has been leaky, conceding seven goals in the same period, averaging 1.40 goals conceded per game. Two clean sheets during this period hint at potential defensive resilience, yet consistency remains elusive.

Away Performance:
Away from home, Cremonese’s form dips further, with only one win in their last ten away matches, resulting in a win ratio of 0.10. This poor away form is marked by eight losses and just one draw, highlighting their vulnerabilities on the road. Conceding an average of 1.70 goals per game away indicates defensive frailties that need addressing if they hope to improve their standing.

Overall Analysis:

• WLLDL

Sitting 18th in the league with 31 points, Cremonese’s season has been challenging. Despite a commendable total of 10 clean sheets across the season, their overall win ratio of 0.19 reflects the team’s struggles. Federico Bonazzoli, the top scorer with nine goals, remains a critical player, but the team needs a collective improvement to climb out of the relegation zone.

Cremonese Suspensions & Injuries

Cremonese face significant challenges with several players unavailable due to injuries. The absence of Federico Baschirotto, a regular figure in defence, due to a thigh injury, is a notable loss. His expected return in late May means that Matteo Bianchetti and Sebastiano Luperto will need to step up in central defence. Additionally, Giuseppe Pezzella’s leg injury leaves a gap in the defensive options, which Francesco Folino is likely to fill. These defensive absences may necessitate a more conservative approach from Marco Giampaolo to maintain stability at the back.

In midfield, Martin Payero’s physical discomfort raises concerns about depth, although the current starting lineup is unaffected. Romano Floriani Mussolini’s muscle injury further limits options, but with Youssef Maleh and Alberto Grassi available, the team should maintain its competitive edge in the midfield battle.

The impact of these injuries could influence betting markets, as Cremonese might adopt a more cautious strategy, potentially affecting their attacking output. Punters should consider the possible tactical shifts when evaluating match odds.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Faris Moumbagna	physical discomfort	Doubtful
Federico Baschirotto	thigh injury	Late May 2026
Romano Floriani Mussolini	muscle injury	Late May 2026
Martin Payero	physical discomfort	Doubtful
Giuseppe Pezzella	leg injury	Doubtful

Cremonese Key Players

Cremonese’s attacking prowess will heavily rely on Federico Bonazzoli, their top scorer with 9 goals this season. Bonazzoli’s ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to Udinese’s defence. His partnership with veteran striker Jamie Vardy adds an extra dimension to Cremonese’s attack, combining Bonazzoli’s finesse with Vardy’s experience and pace.

In midfield, Alberto Grassi plays a pivotal role as a playmaker, orchestrating transitions from defence to attack. His vision and passing accuracy will be crucial in breaking down Udinese’s defensive lines. Defensively, Sebastiano Luperto is key, anchoring the backline with his strong tackling and aerial prowess, providing a solid foundation for Cremonese’s defensive setup.

Expected lineup for Cremonese:

• Goalkeeper: Emil Audero
• Defence: Filippo Terracciano, Matteo Bianchetti, Sebastiano Luperto, Francesco Folino
• Midfield: Tommaso Barbieri, Alberto Grassi, Youssef Maleh, Jari Vandeputte
• Forward: Federico Bonazzoli, Jamie Vardy

With these key players, Cremonese are expected to adopt a balanced tactical approach, leveraging Bonazzoli’s scoring ability and Grassi’s midfield control to create opportunities, while relying on Luperto’s defensive strength to maintain stability at the back. This blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity could prove decisive in their quest for victory.

Cremonese Tactics and Formation

Cremonese Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Federico Bonazzoli
• Midfield Engine: Alberto Grassi and Youssef Maleh
• Defensive Stability: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on strong wing play and quick transitions.

Cremonese’s 4-4-2 formation provides a balanced approach, with a solid back four led by Matteo Bianchetti and Sebastiano Luperto. The inclusion of Francesco Folino suggests a focus on youthful energy and dynamism at the back. This setup has contributed to their ability to secure two clean sheets in recent matches, indicating defensive resilience.

In midfield, the partnership between Alberto Grassi and Youssef Maleh is pivotal, combining defensive duties with creativity. The wide midfielders, Tommaso Barbieri and Jari Vandeputte, are crucial for stretching the play and supporting the forwards, Federico Bonazzoli and Jamie Vardy, in attack.

Offensively, Cremonese leverage quick transitions and wing play to exploit opposition defences. Federico Bonazzoli, the team’s top scorer, will be relied upon to convert chances, while Vardy’s experience adds depth to their attacking options.

Udinese vs Cremonese H2H Record

Looking at the head-to-head record between Udinese and Cremonese, Udinese have the upper hand with 2 wins, while the other 2 encounters ended in draws. The most recent meeting saw a 1-1 draw when Cremonese hosted Udinese in Serie A last October.

The last time Udinese hosted Cremonese in Serie A, they secured a convincing 3-0 victory back in April 2023. This suggests that Udinese are quite strong at home against Cremonese, having scored 7 goals across their meetings while conceding only 2.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	League	Date
Cremonese	Udinese	1 – 1	Serie A	2025-10-20
Udinese	Cremonese	3 – 0	Serie A	2023-04-23
Cremonese	Udinese	1 – 3	Friendly Match	2022-12-29
Cremonese	Udinese	0 – 0	Serie A	2022-10-30