Cup test ahead of Serie A kickoff: prediction for Udinese vs Padova
The opening round clash of the Coppa Italia between Udinese and Padova will take place on August 15, 2026, in Udine. Both teams will have their final official test before their league campaigns begin, and the winner of this tie will face either Venezia or Modena in the second round.
Udinese: a strong finish to preseason builds confidence
Last season, Kosta Runjaić's team finished tenth in Serie A, continuing their steady progress under the current manager. In the Coppa Italia, Udinese reached the round of 16, where they fell 0-2 to Juventus. The club’s last truly deep cup run dates back to the semifinals in 2014.
Preseason started on a rough note - three defeats in their first four matches - but the Friulians then edged out Nottingham Forest and Barcelona 1-0 each in 45-minute matches, clinching the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup. Nicolò Zaniolo was named player of the tournament and is now poised to become one of the key figures for the hosts.
Padova: experienced attack can cause problems
After their return to Serie B in 2025, Padova finished tenth, and this summer the team was taken over by Antonio Calabro. The squad has seen significant changes ahead of the new season, with Matteo Cocchi, Simone Scaglia, Marco Pompetti, and Matteo Lovato joining the roster.
Recent friendlies have been promising - a 2-0 win over Cittadella and a 3-3 draw with Monza. Kevin Lasagna and Gianluca Caprari have especially stood out: both netted two goals in the last two friendlies, with Lasagna bagging a brace against Monza.
Match facts
- In last season’s Coppa Italia, Udinese reached the round of 16, losing 0-2 to Juventus.
- Padova went unbeaten in their last two friendlies - a 2-0 win over Cittadella and a 3-3 draw with Monza.
- Kevin Lasagna and Gianluca Caprari scored two goals each in Padova’s final two summer matches.
The difference in class should tell: prediction for Udinese vs Padova
Padova come into the cup tie in decent shape and have enough experience up front to trouble the hosts. Moreover, Runjaić may rotate his squad and give fringe players some minutes ahead of the Serie A kickoff.
Nevertheless, squad depth and individual quality are still in Udinese’s favor. Even without their optimal lineup, the hosts should create more chances and make the most of their home advantage.
