As the Serie A season reaches its climax, the clash between Torino and Udinese promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams vie for crucial points in the league. Scheduled for April 23, 2025, at 18:30, the match will take place at the iconic Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, setting the stage for what could be a pivotal moment for both clubs.
Both Torino and Udinese find themselves in the middle of the Serie A standings, but their recent form tells a different story. Torino, under the guidance of coach Ivan Vanoli, is looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Como in their last outing. Conversely, Udinese, managed by Kosta Runjaic, is struggling to find their footing, having not secured a win since early March. This matchup is a chance for both teams to reignite their campaigns and provide much-needed joy to their respective fan bases.
In terms of tactics, Torino will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring goalkeeper Milinkovic Savic and a defensive line comprising Pedersen, Maripan, Masina, and Biraghi. The midfield duo of Ricci and Linetty will look to control the game, while the attacking trio of Gineitis, Casadei, and Elmas will support striker Adams in the final third. The bench includes notable names such as Paleari, Donnarumma, and Sanabria, providing depth for Vanoli's side.
Udinese, on the other hand, will adopt a 4-4-1-1 formation with Okoye in goal. The defensive setup will see Ehizibue, Bijol, Solet, and Kamara tasked with containing Torino's attacking threats. In midfield, Atta, Lovric, Karlstrom, and Ekkelenkamp will aim to provide service to lone striker Payero, with Bravo supporting from behind. The bench features a mix of experience and youth, including Sava, Padelli, and Kabasele.
Fans can catch the match live on Sky Sport Calcio and streaming on NOW, with commentary provided by Dario Massara and insights from Massimo Gobbi. Pre-match coverage begins at 17:30, ensuring viewers are primed for the action.
Historically, Torino has had the upper hand in recent encounters against Udinese, winning six of the last seven matches in the second half of the Serie A season. Remarkably, Torino has kept a clean sheet in each of those victories, showcasing their defensive solidity. The last time Udinese managed to defeat Torino was on February 6, 2022, marking a significant shift in the balance of this rivalry.
Torino's home advantage cannot be overstated; they remain unbeaten at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino in 2025, with three wins and four draws. The Granata have only conceded 13 goals in their 15 home matches this season, a statistic that highlights their formidable defensive capabilities. In fact, only Napoli has a better record for goals conceded at home this season, making Torino a tough opponent on their turf.
Conversely, Udinese has been on a downward spiral, suffering four consecutive league defeats with a combined score of 1-8. This poor run of form has raised concerns about their ability to compete effectively in Serie A, and they will be eager to turn their fortunes around against a historically challenging opponent.
In addition to the match preview, Torino made headlines off the pitch as they announced the contract extension of forward Duvan Zapata until June 30, 2027. The Colombian striker, who has been a key player since joining the club in September 2023, has made a significant impact with 45 appearances and 16 goals for the Granata. Born in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, Zapata began his professional career with América de Cali before moving to Argentina and eventually making his way to Italy, where he has established himself as a formidable presence in Serie A.
As the match approaches, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. For Torino, a victory would solidify their strong home record and keep them in contention for a higher league finish. For Udinese, a win is essential to halt their losing streak and regain confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season.
With the atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino expected to be electric, fans will be hoping for a thrilling encounter filled with drama and excitement. Will Torino continue their dominance over Udinese, or can the visitors pull off an upset and kickstart their season? Only time will tell as the teams prepare to battle it out on the pitch.
