MILAN LOOK TO BUILD ON GOOD START

Chris Lewis

Chris Lewis

— 2 min read
MILAN LOOK TO BUILD ON GOOD START

The Rossoneri travel East on Saturday as they make the 250 mile trip to the Bluenergy Stadium, where they meet an Udinese side high on confidence after a positive start to the season.

Match Details

  • Fixture: Udinese vs AC Milan
  • Date: Saturday 20 September 2025
  • Kick-off: 20:45 local time at Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
  • Competition: Serie A (Matchday 4)

Current Form & Stakes

Udinese

  • Under manager Kosta Runjaic, Udinese have had a fairly strong start to the 2025-26 season. They are unbeaten so far: with two wins and a draw from their opening fixtures.
  • A highlight was their away win at Inter in matchday two (2-1).
  • Their squad has some injury/suspension issues that could weaken them, particularly in goal and midfield.

AC Milan

  • Milan, under Massimiliano Allegri, are aiming to re-establish consistency this season. We are starting to see better defensive solidity and some good results away from home.
  • Their latest win was 1-0 vs Bologna last Sunday, a solid performance with Luka Modrić scoring his first goal for the club.
  • But there are concerns: key absences (both injury and suspension), especially in goal and attack.

So for both sides, this is a match that could help set the tone: Udinese to consolidate their good form and Milan to show resilience and chase down those top spots.

Team News & Likely Lineups

Udinese

  • Unavailable: Daniele Padelli (knee injury), Vakoun Bayo (thigh), Sandi Lovrić (fractured leg).
  • Likely formation: 3-5-2.
  • Probable XI:
    • Goalkeeper: Sava
    • Defence: Bertola, Kristensen, Solet
    • Wing-backs / midfield: Ehizibue, Piotrowski, Karlström, Atta, Kamara
    • Attack: Iker Bravo, Keinan Davis

AC Milan

  • Unavailable: Rafael Leão (calf), Mike Maignan (leg injury / calf strain), Ardon Jashari, Lorenzo Torriani. Allegri is also suspended for this match.
  • Returning or expected options: Christian Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku are close to full fitness; Alexis Saelemaekers and Pervis Estupiñán as wing-backs; Modrić likely to start in midfield. Milan will be hoping that Santi Gimenez can rediscover that goalscoring touch.
  • Likely formation: a 3-5-2 or some variant with three centre-backs, a five in midfield/wing areas, two up front.
  • Probable XI:
    • Goalkeeper: Pietro Terracciano
    • Defence: Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic
    • Wing-backs: Saelemaekers, Estupiñán
    • Central midfield: Modric, Rabiot, Youssouf Fofana
    • Attack: Christian Pulisic, Santiago Giménez

Tactical Battle

  • Udinese will likely try to use a compact shape, make use of their wing-backs to stretch Milan and rely on the counter, especially using the pace or presence of Bravo & Davis.
  • Milan, despite missing Leão, will still expect to dominate possession, especially in midfield (with Modrić & Rabiot) and try to exploit space behind Udinese’s wing-backs. The back three for Milan must be alert, especially because Udinese’s front two are dangerous. The wing-backs will have to work hard defensively as well as supporting in attack.
  • Set-pieces may be important. Udinese’s central defenders such as Kristensen / Solet may be threats, Milan too on corners or free kicks.

Head-to-Head & Key Statistics

  • Milan have won each of their last three Serie A matches against Udinese.
  • Milan have also won their last two away matches at Udinese.
  • Udinese are unbeaten so far this season, building confidence as they go into matchday 4.

Prediction

Given the team news, the momentum and Milan’s slight edge in experience and squad depth, the prediction for me is an away win - albeit not an absolute banker.

  • Scoreline Prediction: Udinese 1-2 AC Milan
  • Key Player to Watch: Luka Modrić — The veteran midfield maestro has started the season strongly and will be high on confidence after his first goal and Milan winner vs Bologna last weekend. His vision, composure, and ability to unlock defences could be decisive.

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