The fervor of Serie A continues as Fiorentina gears up to face Udinese on December 23, 2024. Scheduled for 14:30 (Brasília time) at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, this 17th-round clash is already stirring excitement among fans and bettors alike.
Fiorentina enters the match holding the fifth spot on the league table, boasting 31 points from 15 games. Their efforts this season have included 9 wins, 4 draws, and just 2 losses, demonstrating their competitive edge. Nevertheless, their recent performance has been shaky, suffering from setbacks such as a 1-0 loss against Bologna and a 1-1 draw with Vitória de Guimarães, indicating they might need to restore their momentum against Udinese.
On the other hand, Udinese sits ninth with 20 points taken from 16 matches. Having recorded 6 wins, 2 draws, and 8 defeats so far, their season has also been rocky. Recent games saw them struggling, with losses to Napoli (1-3) and Inter Milan (0-2) drawing concerns over their current form. Their performances have been mixed, needing to find stability if they aim to challenge for points against Fiorentina.
Historically, the matchup between these two teams has been intense. Over the course of 106 encounters, Fiorentina has celebrated victory 53 times compared to Udinese’s 24. The last face-off resulted in a 2-2 draw, showcasing both teams' ability to score and their resilience.
Betting insights for this match present intriguing opportunities. With Fiorentina's proven home advantage and the notable performances from players like Moise Kean, who has netted 13 goals this season, the odds strongly favor the home team. Experts point out Fiorentina for winning at least one half of the match due to their higher technical aptitude and team coherence.
On the other side, both teams have shown the potential to score. Despite Fiorentina's strong defense, Udinese possesses dynamic players like Alexis Sánchez and Lorenzo Lucca, amplifying their chance of netting goals. A prediction of both teams to score seems plausible, considering Udinese's capability to find the back of the net away from home.
Further betting tips suggest less than 10.5 corner kicks during the match because both teams have averaged low corner counts this season — 4.31 corners for Fiorentina and 4.81 for Udinese. Meanwhile, with Fiorentina scoring at least 1.87 goals per match, there’s substantial backing for the game exceeding 2.5 goals overall.
For bettors, it’s also worth highlighting the injury lists. Fiorentina will miss right-back Dodô due to suspension along with Marin Pongračić and Edoardo Bove, both sidelined with injuries. Meanwhile, Udinese has several absentees including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and striker Gerard Deulofeu. Such absences might influence each side's tactical approach and overall performance.
When it all falls down, Fiorentina's home ground advantage coupled with their offensive prowess makes them favorites against Udinese. The match promises excitement, goals, and competitive spirit as both teams strive to assert dominance.
Fans worldwide can catch the action live on Disney+, ensuring no one misses what is anticipated to be fiercely contested.