Battle for survival in Serie A: Parma vs Udinese prediction
On October 28, 2026, the ninth-round Serie A clash between Parma and Udinese will take place at the Ennio Tardini Stadium. Both teams are going through a serious crisis: the hosts sit 19th, while the visitors risk dropping into the relegation zone after six straight defeats. For both sides, the upcoming meeting represents a chance to end their losing streaks and improve their league position.
Parma: new manager has yet to halt the slide
Since Alberto Gilardino was appointed, Parma have suffered three consecutive defeats, with their latest setback coming away to Lazio in a 2-1 loss. The team’s only goal was largely fortuitous: Simone Lontani attempted to deliver a pass, but after a deflection off the post and a touch from goalkeeper Christos Mandas, the ball ended up in the net. After eight rounds, Parma have scored just five goals — the lowest tally in the league — while conceding 15.
Despite their struggles, the first half against Lazio showed that the team can compete with stronger opponents. In the upcoming match, Gilardino will be without Nesta Elphege, Pontus Almqvist and Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, while Lautaro Valenti remains a doubt. At the same time, home advantage could help the hosts capitalize on their opponents’ crisis: a victory would potentially lift them out of the bottom three if Fiorentina drop points against Atalanta.
Udinese: six straight defeats increase pressure on the manager
The start of the season gave no indication that Udinese would encounter their current problems: the team remained unbeaten in its first four matches in all competitions, winning twice in the Coppa Italia and collecting four points in Serie A. However, Kosta Runjaic’s side have since suffered six consecutive defeats, failing to score in three of those games. Their last two home matches were particularly painful, ending in losses to Lecce (0-3) and Milan (0-2), further deepening the team’s crisis.
The visitors’ problems are primarily attacking in nature: unlike at the start of the season, when the team regularly created opportunities, their scoring output has now dropped sharply. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp has scored three league goals, while Hassane Kamara remains the only other Udinese player to have found the net more than once. Ahead of the meeting with Parma, the availability of Alessandro Zanoli and Oumar Solet is uncertain, while David Alaba, Vakoun Bayo and Idrissa Gueye are definitely out with injuries; another setback could put Runjaic’s future at the helm of the club under serious threat.
Match facts and statistics
- Parma have scored just five goals in eight Serie A rounds — fewer than any other team in the league.
- Udinese have lost six matches in a row in all competitions and failed to score in three of them.
- At least 2 goals were scored in 6 of the last 8 head-to-head meetings at Parma’s stadium in Serie A
- Parma scored at least 1 goal in 8 of their last 10 home head-to-head meetings in Serie A
Home advantage to decide the outcome: Parma vs Udinese prediction
Both teams head into this clash in a difficult psychological state, but their recent performances give Parma a slight edge. Despite three consecutive defeats, Gilardino’s side have at times produced competitive football and should be capable of staying in the contest for long spells. Udinese, meanwhile, have been experiencing serious attacking problems lately and are too often unable to respond after conceding.
Home advantage could prove decisive in this battle between two struggling teams. Parma do not necessarily need to produce spectacular attacking football to secure a result: given the visitors’ problems, the hosts may only need to make the most of one of their few chances. A cautious encounter with few goals is expected, with a narrow home victory appearing the most likely outcome.
