Verona vs Udinese on January 26
On January 26, 2026, Serie A fans will be treated to an intriguing clash between Verona and Udinese, two teams that are eyeing different goals in the tournament's landscape. The match, set at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona, will not only have crucial implications for their standings but also serve as a tactical battle between two sides looking to assert dominance in the second half of the season. Verona, currently struggling in the relegation zone, will aim for a vital three points to boost their survival hopes, while Udinese, sitting comfortably in mid-table, will look to maintain their solid run and push for a top-half finish. With the stakes high for both teams, this encounter promises to be a fiercely contested one, where tactical nuance and key individual performances will shape the outcome.
Verona: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Verona enters this match in precarious form, with only one win in their last five Serie A outings. Their recent struggles have left them in the relegation zone, with defensive frailties becoming a significant concern. They currently sit 18th in the table, and every point from here on out is essential to their survival in Italy's top flight. Head coach Marco Zaffaroni has implemented a defensive 4-3-3 formation, which has often been vulnerable to high pressing teams. Verona averages just 44% possession in Serie A, indicating a reliance on counter-attacking play rather than controlling the game. Their pressing actions are also limited (averaging 10.5 per match), often allowing opponents too much time on the ball. Offensively, Verona's key players include the versatile winger Ivan Ilic, whose dribbling ability and link-up play with striker Giovanni Simeone are vital. Ilic’s creativity in the final third can cause chaos for Udinese’s backline, but his inconsistency this season has been a cause for concern. Simeone, too, has shown flashes of brilliance but has lacked the service from midfield to be consistently effective. Verona's success hinges on their ability to improve their transition play, with midfielders like Adrien Tameze and Darko Lazović providing the necessary support in moving the ball forward. However, Verona's injury woes could leave them short-handed in critical areas, with defensive leader Federico Ceccherini still recovering from injury, which may leave them vulnerable at the back.
Udinese: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Udinese enters this fixture in decent form, with three wins and two losses in their last five matches. They sit in 10th place in Serie A, firmly mid-table, and are 10 points clear of the relegation zone, but their focus will be to challenge for a higher finish. Under the tactical guidance of Andrea Sottil, Udinese has adopted a pragmatic 3-5-2 formation, relying on defensive stability and quick transitions. Their formation allows them to control the midfield through the central pairing of Roberto Pereyra and Walace, while their wing-backs, Nahuel Molina and Kingsley Ehizibue, provide width and support both in attack and defense. With an average possession of 47%, Udinese is comfortable in their ability to manage games without being overly dominant with the ball. Their pressing game is effective, ranking in the top half for pressing efficiency, with 14.2 pressing actions per match, allowing them to suffocate opposition attacks before they develop. Udinese’s most dangerous asset is their offensive duo of Beto and Isaac Success. Beto, with his powerful frame and clinical finishing, is a constant threat in the box, while Success provides dynamism and creativity, often dropping deeper to link up play. These two will be crucial in breaking down Verona’s defensive lines. The form of Molina is also worth noting, as his overlapping runs and crosses have been key to Udinese's offensive play, contributing to an impressive 12 assists this season. However, Udinese's record in away games has been inconsistent, with just two wins from their last six matches on the road, indicating that they are vulnerable in hostile environments.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
The recent history between Verona and Udinese has been competitive, with each side claiming victories in their home encounters. In their last five meetings, Udinese holds a slight edge with two wins to Verona’s one, while two games ended in draws. The most recent clash between the two sides came earlier this season, where Udinese triumphed 1-0 at home, thanks to a second-half header from Beto. The psychological battle will be one of belief: Verona needs a win to lift their spirits and avoid the looming threat of relegation, while Udinese will be looking to maintain momentum and prove their top-half aspirations are legitimate. Historically, matches between these two teams have often been tightly contested, with few goals separating them, which suggests that this upcoming clash could follow a similar pattern.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
The tactical battle between the two teams will hinge on a few key individual and positional matchups. First, the duel between Verona's left-back Fabio Depaoli and Udinese's right wing-back Nahuel Molina will be crucial. Depaoli, who often bombs forward in support of the attack, will be tasked with stifling Molina’s forward runs, while also being mindful of the threat of a counter-attack. If Verona’s defense cannot deal with Molina’s pace and delivery into the box, they could be in trouble. Similarly, the battle in midfield will be pivotal, with Verona's Tameze and Lazović having to deal with Udinese’s Pereyra and Walace, two players capable of dictating the tempo of the game. Udinese's central midfield dominance could be the key to unlocking Verona's defense and controlling possession.
In terms of critical zones, the center of the pitch will be a decisive area. Verona’s reliance on counter-attacks means that Udinese's ability to control the midfield and prevent easy transitions will be key. Verona's best chance to exploit Udinese’s weakness lies in fast breaks, especially targeting the space left behind by Udinese's advancing wing-backs.
Match Scenario and Prediction
With both teams carrying different pressures into this game, expect a tactical battle where Udinese looks to dominate possession while Verona sits deep and looks to spring quick counter-attacks. Udinese will likely control much of the ball, but Verona’s defensive shape and transition play could make them dangerous on the break. A key to the match will be whether Verona can create chances for Simeone in transition, or if Udinese’s high pressing will shut down their counter-attacks early. I predict a 2-1 win for Udinese, as their superior squad quality and ability to control the midfield will give them the edge. Expect a tight contest with low possession for Verona but a few explosive moments on the counter. Key game metrics to watch will include possession percentages (with Udinese expected to dominate), xG (which will likely favor Udinese), and key passes in the final third (where Udinese’s playmakers will shine).
Final Thoughts
Both teams come into this match with their respective goals in mind—Verona fighting for survival, and Udinese pushing for a top-half finish. The tactical battle will be centered on Verona's ability to disrupt Udinese's possession play and exploit the spaces on the counter. The key to the match will be Udinese's ability to control the tempo and stop Verona’s transitions, while Verona's survival instincts could make them dangerous in quick, decisive moments. Can Verona’s resilience pull off an upset, or will Udinese's controlled approach see them secure an important away win? This match will be a true test of both teams' strengths and weaknesses.
