Monza vs Udinese Calcio 29 August 2026 Prediction

Serie A's second round features a matchup with an unusual statistical trend. Monza and Udinese have met seven times, and none of those games ended in a home win.

Monza Remains an Underdog

Monza appointed Ivan Jurić as manager, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in Serie A. However, the Croatian inherited a limited roster that does not suit his athletic, man-to-man pressing style and lacks the quality required for Italy's top division. The heavy opening-round loss to the defending champion was therefore no surprise. Monza remained competitive at the Giuseppe Meazza only in the first half, which ended 1-1. Once Inter increased the intensity, Jurić's side conceded three more goals in a 4-1 defeat.

Changes are expected after the disappointing trip to Milan, starting in goal. Samuele Pizzignacco struggled throughout the game and failed to take his opportunity. First-choice goalkeeper Demba Thiam is set to return after serving a suspension in the opening round. Patrick Cutrone could also return to the starting lineup. Gustavo Varela, who scored against Inter, is likely to retain the center-forward role, but Cutrone can play as the left-sided attacking midfielder. In that case, former Spartak Moscow player Ricardo Mangas would move back to his usual position at left wing-back.

Udinese Makes Another Solid Start

Udinese faced a difficult opening-round opponent in Champions League qualifier Como. Kosta Runjaić's team produced a disciplined performance against one of the stronger sides in the league and deserved its 1-1 draw. Udinese conceded possession to the more talented team but regularly created opportunities through quick counterattacks down the flanks. One of those moves led to Hassane Kamara's goal. Against opponents with less individual quality, Udinese usually adopts a more attack-minded approach and presses aggressively in the opposition half. A similar plan is expected at the U-Power Stadium.

Last season's leading scorer, Keinan Davis, has recovered from the injury that kept him out of the opening round and is ready to return at center forward. Nicolò Zaniolo, however, was injured late in the game against Como and will remain unavailable for the next several weeks. The former Italy international is not expected back until October. In his absence, summer signing Unai Gómez could start as the right-sided attacking midfielder.

Monza vs Udinese Predicted Lineup

Monza (3-4-2-1): Thiam – Kouadio, Delli Carri, Carboni – Birindelli, Ondoa, Mowatt, Mangas – Colpani, Cutrone – Varela

Unavailable: Pessina (injury)

Manager: Ivan Jurić

Udinese (3-4-2-1): Okoye – Abankwah, Solet, Ebosse – Vojvoda, Piotrowski, Karlström, Kamara – Gómez, Ekkelenkamp – Davis

Unavailable: Chakvetadze, Zanoli, Zaniolo, Palma (injuries), Kabasele (suspension)

Manager: Kosta Runjaić

Referee: Claudio Giuseppe Allegretta

Allegretta has not previously officiated a top-flight match. He averaged 4.18 bookings per game last season and has shown only one red card in his last 30 assignments.

Monza vs Udinese Prediction: Udinese to Win at 2.44

Main prediction: Kosta Runjaić has consistently had Udinese well prepared for the start of the season. The team did not lose any of its opening three league games in either of the previous two campaigns under the German manager. Udinese also made a solid start this year. Monza has one of the weakest rosters in Serie A and presents a less difficult challenge than Como. The opening round also raised concerns about Monza's fitness, which could make it difficult for the hosts to handle Udinese's aggressive pressing. The main selection is Udinese to win at 2.44.

Goals prediction: If Udinese controls the pace of the game, a high-scoring contest is unlikely. The team ended last season with four consecutive matches featuring under 2.5 goals. Neither of its two competitive games this season has produced more than two goals. The additional selection is under 2.5 goals at 1.65.