Udinese vs Inter Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

On Saturday, 17 January, Udinese will face Inter in a highly anticipated Serie A clash at the Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli. This match is set to be a crucial encounter in the Italian top flight, as both teams look to secure vital points. Udinese, playing at home, will aim to use their familiarity with the Bluenergy Stadium – Stadio Friuli to challenge the visitors.

Inter, meanwhile, will be eager to assert their dominance and continue their pursuit of the Serie A title. With both teams having much at stake, this fixture promises to be an intriguing battle. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective positions in the league standings, making it a must-watch for fans and bettors alike.

Udinese vs Inter Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Inter to win	1.42

Given Inter’s current form and league-leading status, our recommended betting tip is for Inter to win. They have shown a solid track record this season, and despite Udinese’s potential to spring a surprise, Inter’s consistency and strength make them the favourites.

• Inter have scored first in 75% of their matches, demonstrating their ability to control games from the outset.
• Udinese’s inconsistent form makes it difficult for them to pose a significant challenge to a high-flying Inter side.
• Inter concede only an average of 1 goal per game, highlighting their strong defensive capabilities.

Betting Odds

Inter travel to the Bluenergy Stadium as strong favourites, with betting odds reflecting their superior form and squad depth. Udinese, despite playing at home, are seen as underdogs, offering a tempting return for those willing to back an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Udinese to win	7.18
Draw	4.64
Inter to win	1.42

The draw is also an intriguing option, given the unpredictable nature of Serie A clashes. For those considering goal markets, Inter’s attacking prowess suggests that over 2.5 goals could be a worthwhile bet.

Udinese Analysis & Past Performance

Udinese’s recent form has been mixed, with just one win in their last five matches, alongside two draws and two losses. Their recent 2-2 draw against Pisa at the Bluenergy Stadium highlighted both their attacking capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities, as they managed 11 shots but conceded 14, allowing 8 corners to their opponents.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Udinese	Pisa	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	10 Jan 2026
Torino	Udinese	1 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	7 Jan 2026
Como	Udinese	1 – 0 (Loss)	Serie A	3 Jan 2026
Udinese	Lazio	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	27 Dec 2025
Fiorentina	Udinese	5 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	21 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• DWLDL

Offensively, Udinese have been relatively consistent, scoring in four of their last five games and averaging 1.20 goals per match. Keinan Davis has been pivotal, netting six goals this season. However, their defence has been less reliable, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per game in the same period, with no clean sheets recorded. At home, Udinese have a win ratio of just 20%, having won only once in their last five home fixtures. Their ability to score yet struggle defensively is evident, as shown by the 80% of matches where both teams have scored.

Udinese Suspensions & Injuries

Nicolò Zaniolo’s suspension due to yellow card accumulation is a significant blow for Udinese, given his role in the attacking setup. His absence could force a tactical shift, potentially requiring Sandi Lovrić to take on more creative responsibilities. This adjustment might affect Udinese’s fluidity in the final third, as they will miss Zaniolo’s directness and goal threat.

Player	Reason for Suspension	Matches Left	Anticipated Return
Nicolò Zaniolo	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

Adam Buksa’s thigh injury sidelines him until late January 2026, limiting Udinese’s forward options. While Buksa hasn’t featured prominently in recent matches, his potential as a backup striker means the team will need to rely more heavily on Keinan Davis to lead the line. This could impact Udinese’s ability to rotate and maintain intensity in attack throughout the match.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Adam Buksa	Thigh injury	Late January 2026

The absence of these players might influence betting markets, as Udinese’s reduced attacking depth could make it challenging to secure a win against Inter. The team’s performance without Zaniolo and Buksa will be under scrutiny to see if they can adapt effectively and maintain competitive form.

Udinese Key Players

Udinese’s attacking threat will rely heavily on their top scorer, Keinan Davis, who has netted 6 goals this season. Davis, leading the line, combines physical strength with a keen eye for goal, making him a constant threat to opposing defences. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game will be crucial for Udinese’s attacking strategy. Alongside Davis, Sandi Lovrić is expected to play a significant role up front, providing creativity and support.

Midfield dynamo Jurgen Ekkelenkamp is set to influence the game with his box-to-box capabilities, ensuring a balance between attack and defence. His partnership with Jesper Karlström in midfield will be key in controlling the game’s tempo and providing defensive cover.

Expected lineup for Udinese:

• Goalkeeper: Maduka Okoye
• Defenders: Nicolo Bertola, Christian Kabasele, Oumar Solet
• Midfielders: Alessandro Zanoli, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Jesper Karlström, Lennon Miller, Hassane Kamara
• Forwards: Sandi Lovrić, Keinan Davis

Udinese Tactics and Formation

Udinese Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Keinan Davis
• Midfield Engine: Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Jesper Karlström
• Defensive Line: Three-man defence with Christian Kabasele as the anchor
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs for width and transitional play.

Udinese’s 3-5-2 formation emphasises a solid central midfield while providing width through wing-backs Alessandro Zanoli and Hassane Kamara. This setup allows them to control the midfield with Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Jesper Karlström, who balance defensive responsibilities with forward support.

Defensively, the three-man backline led by Christian Kabasele focuses on compactness and covering lateral spaces, which has been crucial given their inability to keep clean sheets recently. Their last match against Pisa saw them concede twice, highlighting a need for increased defensive discipline.

Offensively, Udinese rely heavily on the link-up play between Sandi Lovrić and Keinan Davis, their top scorer. The absence of Nicolò Zaniolo from the forward line may necessitate a tactical adjustment, potentially impacting their attacking fluidity and goal-scoring opportunities.

Inter Analysis & Past Performance

Inter have demonstrated impressive consistency in their recent form, with a record of four wins and one draw in their last five matches. Notably, their recent victories include a 1-0 win against Lecce and a 2-0 triumph over Parma Calcio 1913, showcasing their defensive solidity with three clean sheets in this period.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Inter	Lecce	1 – 0 (Win)	Serie A	14 Jan 2026
Inter	SSC Napoli	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	11 Jan 2026
Parma Calcio 1913	Inter	0 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	7 Jan 2026
Inter	Bologna	3 – 1 (Win)	Serie A	4 Jan 2026
Atalanta	Inter	0 – 1 (Win)	Serie A	28 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Inter’s attack has been efficient, averaging 1.80 goals per game over their last five fixtures, with Lautaro Martínez leading the line as the top scorer with 10 goals. Defensively, they’ve been robust, conceding only 0.60 goals per match and securing clean sheets in 60% of these games. Their ability to maintain defensive composure while capitalising on offensive opportunities has been a significant factor in their current standing at the top of Serie A with 46 points.

Away Performance:

• WDWWW

On the road, Inter have been formidable, winning four of their last five away games. They have a perfect away win ratio of 0.80 in recent matches, further emphasising their prowess away from home. Their away form is characterised by tactical discipline and effective use of counter-attacks, making them a formidable opponent at any venue.

Inter Suspensions & Injuries

Inter face a few challenges with injuries ahead of their visit to Udinese. Notably, Denzel Dumfries remains sidelined with an ankle injury, expected to return by mid-March 2026. His absence is a blow to Inter’s right flank, where his pace and defensive contributions are crucial. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, another key player, is out with a muscle injury, reducing Inter’s creative options in midfield until mid-February 2026.

The injuries to Raffaele Di Gennaro and Josep Martínez, both out until late January 2026, primarily affect Inter’s goalkeeping depth. However, with Yann Sommer fit and starting, the immediate impact is minimal. Matteo Darmian and Tomás Palacios, both doubtful due to muscle injuries, could limit defensive rotations, although current starters remain unaffected.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Raffaele Di Gennaro	Broken hand	Late January 2026
Matteo Darmian	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Denzel Dumfries	Ankle injury	Mid March 2026
Tomás Palacios	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Josep Martínez	Ankle injury	Late January 2026
Hakan Çalhanoğlu	Muscle injury	Mid February 2026

Inter’s tactical setup might remain largely unchanged in their 3-5-2 formation, thanks to the availability of key starters. However, the absence of Dumfries could lead to a more conservative approach on the right, possibly involving a more defensive-minded wing-back to cover his duties. This might impact Inter’s attacking fluidity, especially in exploiting wide areas.

While the core lineup remains intact, these injuries could influence betting markets, as Inter’s bench strength and adaptability under pressure are slightly compromised. The absence of key players like Çalhanoğlu and Dumfries might make for a closer contest, despite Inter’s overall strength.

Inter Key Players

Inter’s attacking threat is spearheaded by their top scorer, Lautaro Martínez, who has already netted 10 goals this season. Martínez’s clinical finishing and ability to find space in tight defences make him a constant threat. Partnering him up front is Marcus Thuram, whose physicality and pace complement Martínez’s predatory instincts, making them a formidable duo. In midfield, Nicolò Barella stands out as a key playmaker, known for his vision and ability to drive the team forward. He will be pivotal in linking defence and attack, ensuring the forwards receive quality service.

Expected lineup for Inter:

• Goalkeeper: Yann Sommer
• Defenders: Yann Aurel Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni
• Midfielders: Luis Henrique, Nicolò Barella, Petar Sučić, Piotr Zieliński, Federico Dimarco
• Forwards: Marcus Thuram, Lautaro Martínez

Defensively, Alessandro Bastoni’s composure and tactical awareness will be crucial in maintaining stability at the back, while Yann Sommer’s experience as goalkeeper provides an added layer of security. The tactical setup is likely to see Inter leveraging quick transitions, utilising the pace and skill of Federico Dimarco and Piotr Zieliński on the flanks to stretch Udinese’s defence. Overall, the blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity makes Inter a well-balanced side, capable of adapting to different phases of the game.

Inter Tactics and Formation

Inter Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Lautaro Martínez
• Midfield Engine: Nicolò Barella and Piotr Zieliński
• Defensive Record: Three clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong wing play and central dominance.

Inter’s 3-5-2 setup allows them to dominate the central areas with Nicolò Barella and Piotr Zieliński orchestrating play from midfield. This formation provides flexibility, enabling the wing-backs, Luis Henrique and Federico Dimarco, to push forward, adding width and supporting the attack.

In defence, the trio of Yann Aurel Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, and Alessandro Bastoni provides a solid foundation, contributing to Inter’s impressive record of three clean sheets in the last five matches. Yann Sommer’s presence in goal further enhances their defensive reliability.

Offensively, Inter capitalise on the striking prowess of Lautaro Martínez, who is the team’s top scorer with 10 goals this season. Alongside Marcus Thuram, they form a dynamic partnership that thrives on quick transitions and exploiting spaces behind the opposition’s defence.

Udinese vs Inter Head-to-Head Record

In the head-to-head record between Udinese and Inter, the Milan giants have a significant edge with 30 wins compared to Udinese’s 10, along with 10 draws. The last encounter saw Udinese pull off a surprise 2-1 victory at San Siro in Serie A, marking a rare win against Inter.

When it comes to Serie A clashes, Inter have been dominant, especially in recent years. The last time Udinese hosted Inter at the Bluenergy Stadium, they narrowly lost 3-2, highlighting their struggles against the Nerazzurri at home.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Inter	Udinese	1 – 2	Serie A	2025-08-31
Inter	Udinese	2 – 1	Serie A	2025-03-30
Inter	Udinese	2 – 0	Coppa Italia	2024-12-19
Udinese	Inter	2 – 3	Serie A	2024-09-28
Udinese	Inter	1 – 2	Serie A	2024-04-08