Udinese vs Inter Prediction - Serie A Round 21: A Challenge for the Top Spot

The match between Udinese and Inter will take place at 9:00 PM on January 17, 2026, at the Bluenergy Stadium. This is a pivotal clash for both teams, as Inter are striving to defend their number one position, while Udinese need to improve their current 10th place ranking.

Current league position and form

Inter are demonstrating overwhelming strength in Serie A this season, leading the table with 46 points after 20 rounds. The Milanese team boasts the most effective attack in the league, averaging 2.2 goals per game, and the most solid defense, conceding an average of only 0.9 goals.

In their last five matches, Inter have maintained impressive form with four wins and one draw. Their away form is also remarkable, with seven away wins since the start of the season.

In contrast, Udinese are currently in 10th place with 26 points. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with only 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 losses in their last 5 matches. Their goal difference is also alarming, with 22 goals scored but 32 goals conceded.

Head-to-head history: Inter's dominance

Recent head-to-head data heavily favors Inter. In the last five encounters between the two teams, Inter has won four matches and lost only one, which was in September 2025.

• September 1, 2025: Inter 1 - 2 Udinese
• March 30, 2025: Inter 2 - 1 Udinese
• December 20, 2024: Inter 2 - 0 Udinese
• September 28, 2024: Udinese 2 - 3 Inter
• April 9, 2024: Udinese 1 - 2 Inter

Notably, matches between the two teams are often high-scoring affairs, with an average of over 2.5 goals scored per game.

Team situation and tactical predictions

Both teams entered this match with personnel losses. On the Udinese side, striker A. Buksa was absent due to a calf injury, while N. Zaniolo was unavailable after accumulating too many yellow cards.

On Inter's side, the most serious blow lies in the midfield, with playmaker H. Calhanoglu absent due to a muscle injury. The visiting team's injury list also includes D. Dumfries (ankle injury), T. Palacios (thigh injury), and R. Di Gennaro (wrist injury). The availability of key striker J. Martinez remains uncertain due to an ankle problem.

Match analysis

Despite playing away from home and missing several key players, Inter are still considered the favorites due to their squad depth and the composure of the reigning league leaders. The predicted odds of Inter winning are 50%, while the probability of a draw is also estimated at 50%.

With key strikers missing on both sides, the match is unlikely to be high-scoring. Inter is predicted to take control of the game in order to secure a favorable result and maintain a safe distance from their pursuers.

Team lineup updated at 20:23 on 17/01/2026

Official lineup

Udinese

Diagram: 3-5-1-1

CoachKosta Runjaic

Starting lineup:

• 40. Maduka Okoye (G)
• 31. Thomas Kristensen (D)
• 27. Christian Kabasele (D)
• 28. Oumar Solet (D)
• 59. Alessandro Zanoli (M)
• 24. Jakub Piotrowski (M)
• 8. Jesper Karlström (M)
• 32. Jürgen Ekkelenkamp (M)
• 11. Hassane Kamara (M)
• 14. Arthur Atta (F)
• 9. Keinan Davis (F)

Substitutes:

• 1. Alessandro Nunziante
• 93. Daniele Padelli
• 90. Răzvan Sava
• 13. Nicolò Bertola
• 2. Saba Goglichidze
• 33. Jordan Zemura
• 38. Lennon Miller
• 6. Oier Zarraga
• 29. Abdoulaye Camara
• 4. Sandi Lovrić
• 19. Kingsley Eisibue
• 77. Rui Modesto
• 7. Idrissa Gueye
• 15. Vakoun Bayo

Inter

Diagram: 3-5-2

CoachCristian Chivu

Starting lineup:

• 1. Yann Sommer (G)
• 31. Yann Bisseck (D)
• 25. Manuel Akanji (D)
• 30. Carlos Augusto (D)
• 11. Luís Henrique (M)
• 7. Piotr Zieliński (M)
• 23. Nicolò Barella (M)
• 22. Henrikh Mkhitaryan (M)
• 32. Federico Dimarco (M)
• 94. Francesco Pio Esposito (F)
• 10. Lautaro Martínez (F)

Substitutes:

• 60. Alain Taho
• 40. Alessandro Calligaris
• 6. Stefan de Vrij
• 15. Francesco Acerbi
• 43. Matteo Cocchi
• 95. Alessandro Bastoni
• 16. Davide Frattesi
• 17. Andy Diouf
• 45. Leonardo da Vinci
• 36. Matteo Darmian
• 8. Petar Sučić
• 14. Ange-Yoan Bonny
• 9. Marcus Thuram