Udinese vs Inter Milan – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Udinese will face Serie A leaders Inter Milan at the Bluenergy Stadium on Saturday.

Inter Milan will look to increase their points difference with second-place AC Milan, who are sitting just three points behind them.

Udinese vs Inter Milan – Match preview and team news

Udinese team news

Udinese are without suspended forward Nicolò Zaniolo, who triggered a one-match ban for accumulated bookings, and striker Adam Buksa, who remains sidelined with a calf injury. Even after these absences, manager Kosta Runjaic will look to replicate the impressive performance from their historic 2-1 victory over Inter at San Siro in August 2025, when Arthur Atta and Keinan Davis secured a shock result. Davis has remained prolific throughout the campaign, contributing six goals and three assists in 19 Serie A appearances this season. The Friulani approach this fixture with renewed confidence, particularly at home where they have built a strong record under Runjaic’s offensive-minded approach.

Inter Milan team news

Inter arrive in Udine on the back of a confident 1-0 victory over Lecce at San Siro on January 14, 2026, where Francesco Pio Esposito scored a crucial late winner in the 78th minute. However, manager Cristian Chivu faces selection challenges heading into the fixture.

Hakan Calhanoglu suffered a calf strain during last week’s 2-2 draw with Napoli and remains a doubt, while Josep Martinez and Denzel Dumfries continue their recovery from ankle injuries. Additionally, defender Tomas Palacios could miss out due to fitness concerns.

Despite these absences, the Nerazzurri boast an exceptional attacking threat, with captain Lautaro Martinez in outstanding form—the Argentine has already netted ten Serie A goals this season and scored in five consecutive league matches earlier this season, but he hasn’t found the back of the net in his last three league appearances. Chivu may rotate his squad again given the demanding fixture schedule, with the Champions League showdown against Arsenal next week on the horizon.

Form

Udinese

Udinese recorded a 2-2 stalemate with relegation-battling Pisa on January 10, 2026, failing to capitalise on their home advantage. They currently sit in 10th position in the league table with 26 points in 20 matches.

Inter Milan

Cristian Chivu’s side is enjoying a dominant campaign at the summit of Serie A. The Nerazzurri have won seven of their last eight league matches, with only a 2-2 draw against defending champions Napoli on January 12. The Nerazzurri now have 46 points from 20 matches, sitting atop the table. Despite the disappointing draw with Napoli, Inter responded emphatically with a 1-0 victory over Lecce in their last match.

Predicted lineups

Udinese: Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Zanoli, Piotrowski, Karlstrom, Ekkelenkamp, Kamara; Atta; Davis

Inter Milan: Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Zielinski, Sucic, Dimarco; Martinez, Esposito

How to watch Udinese vs Inter Milan?

UK viewers can watch the Udinese vs Inter Milan Serie A match on January 17, 2026, live on DAZN and TNT Sports.

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