Serie A Matchday 17 | Saturday, December 27, 2025 | Bluenergy Stadium, Udine
Udinese welcome Lazio to the Friuli on Saturday evening in a Serie A contest between two sides separated by just two points. The Biancocelesti sit eighth on 23 points, chasing the European places, while the Friulani occupy 12th with 21 points in a congested mid-table. A win for either side could see them leapfrog the other in what promises to be a tight, low-scoring affair.
Defensive Steel vs Blunt Attack
Lazio have conceded just 11 goals this season, the second-best defensive record in the division. The problem lies at the other end. With only 17 goals scored, Maurizio Sarri’s men lack the cutting edge to turn draws into wins. Udinese’s goal difference of minus-10, inflated by heavy defeats including last week’s 1-5 thrashing at Fiorentina, masks a side capable of causing upsets.
Head-to-Head: Udinese’s Bogey Status
History favors Lazio at this venue, with three wins from the last six visits against one defeat and two draws. But recent form tells a different story. Udinese are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Lazio (W1-D2), including a 2-1 victory last season. Across the last 10 overall encounters, the record reads 2-4-4.
Home Form: Udinese Inconsistent
Udinese’s last three home matches show W1-D0-L2, averaging 1.00 goals scored and 1.33 conceded per game. Their last six overall (W2-D1-L3) includes a stunning 1-0 win over Napoli followed immediately by that 1-5 collapse at Fiorentina.
Away Form: Lazio Grinding Results
Lazio’s last six overall reads W2-D3-L1, scoring just 0.83 goals per game while conceding only 0.50. On the road, their last three away results (W1-D0-L2) average 0.67 goals scored. Matches involving Lazio are tight, often settled by a single goal.
Tactical Hinge
Expect a battle of attrition. Lazio typically control the tempo without creating clear chances until the final 30 minutes, when substitutes like Zaccagni provide a spark. Udinese will look to exploit set pieces through the aerial threat of Lorenzo Lucca.
Team News
Udinese are without first-choice goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, suspended after his red card against Fiorentina. Razvan Sava steps in. Jordan Zemura and Abankwah Atta are also sidelined. Lazio suffer a significant blow with Matteo Guendouzi suspended. The midfielder’s absence robs them of their engine, with Vecino or Castrovilli deputizing. On the positive side, Mattia Zaccagni returns from suspension to boost the attack.
Probable XIs
- Udinese (3-5-2): Sava; Kabasele, Bijol, Touré; Ehizibue, Lovric, Karlstrom, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Lucca
- Lazio (4-3-3): Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Tavares; Vecino, Rovella, Castrovilli; Isaksen, Castellanos, Zaccagni
Numbers to Watch
- 100%: Lazio’s last 10 matches have finished under 2.5 goals
- 3: Udinese’s unbeaten streak against Lazio (W1-D2)
- 11: Goals conceded by Lazio this season (2nd best in Serie A)
Where to Watch
DAZN (Italy), Paramount+ (US), TNT Sports (UK). Kickoff: 6:00 PM CET.
