UDINESE v AC MILAN: OPPONENT REVIEW

On matchday 27 in Serie A, Stefano Pioli’s AC Milan will take on Udinese in Udine as they aim to head into the international break on a high. A tricky task awaits the Rossoneri, who won the reverse fixture 4-2 but have lost three of their last four fixtures on the road (W) - as many defeats as in their previous 36 away games.

Udinese, meanwhile, have kept two consecutive clean sheets in the league but haven't registered three in a row since they did so between January and February 2021. Last time out, the Bianconeri earned their second win in 18 matches in the Italian top flight. They haven't won at least two in a row since they went on a six-game winning run between August and October. Udinese's last home victory in Serie A came on 18 September, when they got the better of AC Milan's cross-city rivals (a 3-1 success over Inter). Since then, the Friulani have drawn six and lost twice at the Dacia Arena, which, nevertheless, remains a difficult ground to win at.

UDINESE NEVER GIVE UP AND ARE DANGEROUS FROM FREE-KICKS
The Bianconeri are a team full of character, which is also a reflection of their coach. Indeed, Udinese never give up and have often managed to add to their tally in the closing stages of matches. In fact, only Napoli (14) have scored more goals than the Friulani (11) in the final 15 minutes of play during the current Serie A campaign, with Udinese being the team that have earned the most points from losing positions (18). Taking this into account, it won’t be easy for Pioli's to hold on to their advantage if they take the lead, although the Rossoneri have only dropped four points from winning positions so far. However, this includes the two they lost in their last match against Salernitana.

Set-pieces from wide areas are certainly among the Friulani's weapons. Indeed, no team has scored more goals from indirect free-kicks than Udinese during the current Serie A season: three, two of which were bagged by Jaka Bijol. Just like his fellow defenders Pérez and Becão, the 24-year-old Slovenian is strong physically and very good in the air. It'll be important for the Rossoneri to avoid giving away fouls in the defensive third of the pitch.

BECÃO’S GOALSCORING SUCCESS, PEREYRA A THREAT
The captain and vice-captain. Roberto Pereyra and Rodrigo Becão will undoubtedly pose a danger to AC Milan at the Dacia Arena. The Brazilian defender has scored three times against the Rossoneri in Serie A (50% of his six goals in the Italian top flight). The talented Argentine, meanwhile, is a crucial part of Sottil's line-up and someone who provides plenty of inspiration in attack. In fact, Pereyra (28) and Sandro Tonali (25) are two of the three players who have started the most moves that have ended in a shot for their team, behind only Stanislav Lobotka (33). Furthermore, only Kvaratskhelia (5) has provided more assists than El Tucu after dribbling with the ball during the 2022/23 campaign.

Runs and bursts forward are also very much part of Destiny Udogie’s game. The 20-year-old full-back, who has scored three goals and provided two assists in the league this season, made his Serie A debut against AC Milan on 8 November 2020 while on Hellas Verona's books. Furthermore, his first top-flight goal came against the Rossoneri for Udinese on 25 February 2022. For him, they are fantastic memories that could provide him with even more motivation going into the clash at the Dacia Arena, which will kick off at 20:45 CET on Saturday 18 March.

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