Udinese vs AC Milan – Match preview and team news

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·20 settembre 2025

Udinese vs AC Milan – Match preview and team news

Udinese and AC Milan clash in what promises to be an enthralling Serie A encounter on Saturday night.

Both sides will be looking to build on their recent positive momentum, with Udinese riding high after consecutive victories, that includes a win against Inter Milan, while AC Milan seek their third consecutive victory under returning coach Massimiliano Allegri.

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Udinese vs AC Milan – Match Preview and Team News

Date: Saturday, 20th September.
Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
Venue: Bluenergy Stadium, Udine.

Udinese Team News

Kosta Runjaic’s side will be without key midfielder Sandi Lovric, who is sidelined with a muscle injury and isn’t expected to return until late September or early October. Striker Vakoun Bayo remains doubtful due to a contusion, while goalkeeper Daniele Padelli continues his recovery from a knee injury.

However, Udinese have some positive news with Nicolò Zaniolo settling well into his new surroundings after his recent arrival. The attacking midfielder has brought flair and unpredictability to Runjaic’s setup. Keinan Davis has been playing well, he scored a penalty that helped seal victory over Inter Milan. The striker will likely partner Iker Bravo in attack, forming what has become a promising partnership. Razvan Sava is expected to start between the posts.

AC Milan Team News

Milan face several injury concerns ahead of this fixture. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been ruled out with a right calf strain suffered during the 1-0 victory over Bologna. The French international was seen leaving San Siro on crutches and won’t be rushed back, with Pietro Terracciano set to deputise.

Strahinja Pavlovic has returned to group training after his own injury scare against Bologna and should be available. However, Rafael Leao remains sidelined with a calf injury and isn’t expected back until the clash with Napoli on September 28.

Christopher Nkunku is pushing for his first start after an impressive cameo against Bologna, where he earned two penalties in quick succession. The French striker has been working hard to integrate with his new teammates and could partner Christian Pulisic in attack with Leao unavailable. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri is suspended in this match after he was shown a straight red card in their last outing.

Form

Udinese

The Friulani have exceeded early expectations with an unbeaten start to the season. Their shock 2-1 victory over Inter Milan at San Siro announced them as serious contenders this term. Keinan Davis converted a crucial penalty before Arthur Atta completed the turnaround with a stunning strike from outside the area. They followed up with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Pisa, with Iker Bravo netting the decisive goal after 14 minutes.

Kosta Runjaic has instilled impressive balance into his side, combining defensive resilience with effective counter-attacking football. Their direct approach and aerial threat, spearheaded by the physical presence of Davis, has proven particularly effective.

AC Milan

After a shocking opening-day defeat to Cremonese, Milan have quickly found their rhythm under Massimiliano Allegri’s guidance. The veteran coach has tightened the defence while getting the best out of new signings Luka Modric and Adrien Rabiot.

The 40-year-old Modric has been a revelation, celebrating his birthday with his first goal for the club – a perfectly placed finish against Bologna. His partnership with Rabiot in midfield has provided the calm and class Milan desperately needed. The team has kept three clean sheets in four matches across all competitions and appears to have found the defensive solidity that was missing last season.