Juventus vs Udinese: Coppa Italia R16 Preview

Match Preview: Juventus vs Udinese in Coppa Italia Round of 16

The Allianz Stadium hosts a crucial Coppa Italia Round of 16 clash as Juventus welcomes Udinese on Thursday evening. This match presents an opportunity for Juventus to advance in the competition despite significant injury setbacks, while Udinese aims to continue their cup upset run.

Team News & Key Absences

Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti faces a depleted squad with six first-team players unavailable:

• Dusan Vlahovic - Out 3-5 months with a high-grade adductor tear
• Gleison Bremer, Daniele Rugani, Arkadiusz Milik - Defensive injuries
• Mattia Perin, Carlo Pinsoglio - Goalkeeper absences

These forced changes see Michele Di Gregorio return in goal, with Pierre Kalulu, Juan Cabal, Federico Gatti, and Lloyd Kelly forming a reshuffled backline.

Udinese arrives without Thomas Kristensen and Hassane Kamara but welcomes back star attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, who recovered from injury in time for this tie. Manager Kosta Runjaic has already overseen impressive cup victories over Carrarese and Palermo.

Tactical Expectations & Line-ups

Juventus will likely deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation this season, shifting away from Spalletti's earlier 4-4-2 experiments. The midfield duo of Teun Koopmeiners and Fabio Miretti partners with Weston McKennie and Andrea Cambiaso, while Kenan Yildiz and Jonathan David lead the attack in Vlahovic's absence.

Udinese counters with a 3-5-2 system, featuring Zaniolo and Mateo Buksa up front. Their midfield rotation includes Lovric and Zarraga, with Zemura and Ehizibue providing width.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Yildiz & David vs Udinese's Defense - Can the young duo overcome Udinese's organized backline?
2. McKennie vs Zaniolo - Battle of dynamic wingers on opposite flanks
3. Koopmeiners' Creativity vs Udinese's Midfield Press - Can the Dutchman unlock their defensive shape?

What's at Stake

For Juventus, this represents a chance to salvage silverware while Serie A title hopes waver. A victory would keep their Coppa Italia campaign alive and boost morale. Udinese, however, sees this as a prime opportunity to knock out a giant and continue their remarkable cup form.

"We must adapt without our stars, but the cup offers a new path to success. Kenan and Jonathan have the quality to lead us." - Luciano Spalletti

Where to Watch

Match kicks off at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET) from the Allianz Stadium. Fans can follow live updates via Football Italia's coverage.

Verdict

Despite injuries, Juventus' home advantage and attacking depth should see them through. Udinese's defensive resilience and Zaniolo's creativity could trouble the hosts, but a narrow Juventus victory appears likely.