Five Key Battles in Udinese vs Lazio: Zaniolo & Romagnoli to Lock Horns | OneFootball

Lazio will end their year with an away fixture against the wounded Udinese, who will be keen to reconcile with their supporters following an agonising beatdown in Florence.

While the tactical battle between Kosta Runjaic and Maurizio Sarri will certainly be interesting, the player duels on the pitch will be even more captivating. So, let’s take a closer look at five anticipated battles in the contest between the Zebrette and the Biancocelesti, at least based on the expected lineups.

Keinan Davis vs Mario Gila

Mario Gila has already established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A, as evidenced by the growing interest in his services. On the other hand, Keinan Davis isn’t the most prominent name among Italian football strikers, but underestimate the Englishman at your own peril.

The 27-year-old is an absolute force of nature, capable of outmuscling the strongest of defenders. Hence, Gila must be wise in his approach by trying to lure his opponent into a technical battle while avoiding pure physical duels

Nicolo Zaniolo vs Alessio Romagnoli

Udinese made a shrewd piece of business by betting on a waning Nicolo Zaniolo. Luckily for both parties, the former Roma and Atalanta star is enjoying a career revival in Friuli, already scoring four goals this season.

The notorious attacking midfielder has been playing as a second striker, but he still tends to drift to the right wing, before cutting to the centre, so a battle with his compatriot Alessio Romagnoli will be inevitable. The Lazio defender must make sure he doesn’t get caught too far away from his penalty box, as he’d likely fall short in the sprint.

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp vs Danilo Cataldi

While Zaniolo might be the star of the show, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp is a true gem that the Zebrette managed to unearth, one that Napoli have become all too familiar with. The Dutch attacking midfielder has a devastating right boot, so Danilo Cataldi and Co. must make sure he doesn’t receive the ball on the edge of the box with enough time and space to inlifct the damage.

Oumar Solet vs Matteo Cancellieri

After ending his experience at RB Salzburg on a sour note, Oumar Solet has managed to put his career back on track in Udine. At the age of 25, it is past time for the French defender to make a career step-up, but this is the sort of tricky opponent he needs to tame in order to prove himself worthy of a top club.

For his part, Matteo Cancellieri has been somewhat tepid since returning from injury. And with Gustav Isaksen back in the squad, the Italian winger must put on a performance that convinces Sarri to keep him in the starting lineup after the turn of the new year.

Christian Kabasele vs Taty Castellanos

Taty Castellanos has been under all sorts of pressure, as the Lazio supporters weren’t impressed with his recent showings, and even Maurizio Sarri suggested that he could be inapt to his tactical system.

Therefore, the Argentine striker is in dire need of a solid display in Udine, but he’ll have to go through Christian Kabasele, an underrated veteran who rarely receives plaudits, but nonetheless makes for a formidable opponent.