UDINESE v AC MILAN: KEYS TO THE MATCH

Difficult, tricky, important. Udine and Udinese are to be taken seriously by the Rossoneri, they have created a few problems in the past, and this does not change on Saturday. March is still missing a victory and there hasn't been an away win for a month: Serie A Matchday 27 is the occasion, all the more so because it is at a delicate moment and before the break. Let's analyse the main keys to Udinese vs AC Milan:

QUALITY IN THE DRIBBLE TO BEAT THE AGGRESSIVE PRESS
Physicality, aggression and speed: Udinese can be an uncomfortable client for Milan for these qualities. The Rossoneri must not make mistakes in their approach, the opening minutes will be an important period to send a message. The Bianconeri press and fight with ferocity, so great attention will have to be paid when in possession. From playing out from the back to general dribbling: play well technically to buy time and space, defusing a very dangerous opponent on the counter-attack. Last season in Udine, a mistake in the set-up cost us the defeat, a good example of what not to do and to reiterate the crucial role of the midfield. It's not only the backline who are fundamental in this discussion: AC Milan's inaccuracies against Fiorentina and Salernitana cost them points, they have to be more ruthless in front of goal.

THIAW-BIJOL, DISTANCE MARKING. AND IBRA...
If you say Becão, AC Milan turn their noses up, because the Brazilian has already scored three goals. The first on his debut in Serie A, a header from a corner; the same circumstance from which Becão himself scored the 1-0 winner at Empoli last weekend. In general, Udinese are strong in this area: it is necessary for the Rossoneri to pay even more attention on set pieces. Speaking of defenders, Thiaw and Bijol are now certainties that never cease to surprise. Thiaw will take care of Beto, the main man for offensive creativity. Bijol will take Origi or alternatively Rebić, bearing in mind Giroud's significant absence through suspension but also highlighting the Ibrahimović option, who is steadily improving in form and often inspired at the Dacia Arena (goals in 2020 and 2021). A stout defence, stubborn in stifling attackers, will be challenged: the offensive department will need the best service possible, whilst still remembering to be clinical in front of goal.

LETHAL WEAPONS OUT WIDE
Wide players at the heart of the game. In both Pioli's and Sottil's line-ups, the left back is a decisive factor. It is quite obvious, however, to highlight Hernández and Udogie. 3 goals and 3 assists for the Rossoneri player, 3 goals and 2 assists for the Bianconeri man. The movements of their respective line-ups rely heavily on their extraordinary athletic qualities: to push forward and attack, to fall back and recover. It is certainly not easy but crucial to keep them at bay, and in this sense the right flank - probably Saelemaekers and Ehizibue to start - will have a demanding but crucial job on the schedule. Hernández and Udogie will be able to benefit from the assistance of Leão and Success, who are eager to redeem a period of below-par form, and who often tend to go wide to support the flanks.

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