Preview: Juventus vs Udinese

Juventus host 12th-placed Udinese for the round of 16 in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday evening. 

The Allianz stadium will be witnessing its first domestic cup action this season unlike Udinese, who have worked hard to reach the round of 16 for the first time in two years. Wins against SudTirol and Bologna in the third and fourth rounds respectively have ensured their progression.

The Zebras are on a four-game winning streak as they finally overtook their fierce rivals Inter Milan, in the title race to become the league leaders once again following a 2-1 win against Roma in the Stadio Olimpico.

One of those matches in the winning run was a contest against their next opponent, one that saw Juventus triumph 3-1, with a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and a header from Leonardo Bonucci taking all three points.

As expected, Luca Gotti’s men will be keeping an eye on Ronaldo. The Portuguese star has scored 14 goals in 16 games so far this season and is currently in remarkable form, scoring his first Serie A hat-trick against Cagliari just over a week ago, and netting eight times in the last five games.

The Bianconeri’s defence won’t be making it easier for the visitors as they conceded only nine goals at home in the league.

On the other hand, Udinese come in decent form as well, winning three games in a row out of their last five games as they lost to Juventus and drew against Napoli. 

Another glance of hope for the away side is a potential squad rotation from their opponents as the Italian Cup is not a priority, to add to that manager Maurizio Sarri couldn’t confirm the start of his most important player:

“’Our three forwards are all in good shape. Cristiano is fine and in great form and I want to speak to him tomorrow to find out whether or not to play him. [Marko] Pjaca is a great player who has been very unlucky. If there’s a chance for him, I’ll be more than happy.”

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