AC Milan vs Udinese prediction: ITALY: Serie A betting tips on match 2022-08-12 16:30.
AC Milan fans ought to be happy after watching their side claim their first Serie A (SA) title since 2010/11 last term, and after seeing the club sign Belgians Divock Origi and Charles De Ketelaere in the summer. They missed out on other targets though, and with takeover talks stalled again, they’ll hope off-field issues don’t hamper their attempt to win consecutive Scudetti for the first time since 1995/96.
One of their strengths last term was their home form, losing just three SA home games all season (W12, D4) while not conceding in any of their last five such matches at the San Siro (W4, D1). The last side to actually score against them here was Udinese, and Milan’s defence should expect a test from the visitors, as each of the last five H2Hs here saw both teams on the scoresheet (W2, D3).
It was a summer of change at Udinese as Andrea Sottil replaced Gabrielle Cioffi as manager, returning to the club where he played between 1999 and 2003. Looking to build on last term’s 12th place finish, pre-season results were underwhelming, but they’ve been busy in the transfer market so it could take time for Sottil’s new-look squad to settle.
They recorded a pair of 1-1 draws against Milan last term but an early-season trip to the San Siro presents a tricky start, particularly for a side that’s won just one of its last six league openers (D2, L3). Ironically, that victory came against Milan in 2019/20, although it didn’t provide a springboard as they lost their next three fixtures!
Players to watch: After impressing in pre-season, De Ketelaere promises much for Milan, but perhaps not an instant impact as his last four competitive goals came after half-time. Udinese’s Gerard Deulofeu is more likely to strike early as six of his last seven SA goals came before the 40th minute.
Hot streak: Milan opened their last three SA title defences with 2-2 draws.