Udinese is far from the first place, where he was after the fourth round, but still in the top eight and behind the Champions League zone by only one point. On its field, the team scored 9 points out of a possible 12. Without French midfielder Florian Thauvin, who has not played due to injury since late September, Udinese’s attacking potential has noticeably decreased. In two October matches, the team scored just one goal.
Since September 20, Cagliari has not lost in any tournament – seven points in the last three rounds of Serie A with a draw against Juventus, as well as a victory in the 1/16 Italian Cup over Cremonese. However, it is too early for the guests to relax – the relegation zone is only three points away.
Davide Nicola’s team rarely deviates from the usual defensive tactics in away matches, and are unlikely to do so in this meeting. Three of Cagliari’s last four away games have seen less than three goals scored, while both of their October games against Udinese saw exactly one goal scored each.