Udinese vs Fiorentina: prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups – 02 March 2026
One of the Serie A matchday fixtures takes place on Monday in Udine at the Bluenergy Stadium, where Udinese hosts Fiorentina. The home side is cruising steadily towards a mid-table finish, while the Viola remain embroiled in a battle to retain their top-flight status after a nerve-wracking European week. I'm backing goals in this encounter.
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Match preview
Udinese have taken their foot off the gas at the worst possible moment. After victories over Verona and Roma, Kosta Runjaić's side briefly closed in on the top ten, only to then suffer three consecutive defeats – against Lecce (1-2), Sassuolo (1-2), and Bologna (0-1). At home this season, the Friulani have won just four of 13 matches, averaging a goal per game.
Nevertheless, their league position remains relatively comfortable – they are not under immediate threat of relegation. The main attacking threat is still Nicolò Zaniolo, especially given that top scorer Keinan Davis has only just returned from injury and is unlikely to start. Defensively, absences continue to take their toll, with Oumar Solet still out.
Fiorentina come into this match after a dramatic European evening. The team squandered a 3-0 aggregate lead against Jagiellonia but still advanced – Nicolò Fagioli struck the decisive goal in extra time. In Serie A, the Viola secured a crucial win over Pisa (1-0), lifting themselves out of the relegation zone.
Since Paolo Vanoli took charge in November, Fiorentina have gradually improved: 15 of their 24 points this season have come in 2026. Away from home, they've picked up six points from the last possible nine and could win back-to-back Serie A away games for the first time since November 2024. Moise Kean, who netted a brace in the reverse fixture against Udinese, has now scored in three consecutive league matches.
Probable lineups
- Udinese: Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Bertola; Ehizibue, Ekkelenkamp, Carlström, Atta, Zemura; Zaniolo, Buksa
- Fiorentina: De Gea; Fortini, Comuzzo, Pongračić, Ranieri; Brescianini, Fagioli, Mandragora; Harrison, Kean, Gudmundsson
Match facts and head-to-head
- The last four Serie A clashes between these sides have averaged 4.5 goals per game.
- In December, Fiorentina thrashed Udinese 5-1.
- Udinese have lost three of their last four home matches against Fiorentina.
Prediction
Fiorentina are feeling the strain of a packed schedule, but their motivation in the league is currently much higher. Udinese are playing without significant pressure, yet their losing streak points to a dip in form. With both sides shaky at the back and their recent head-to-heads producing plenty of goals, expect an open match with the advantage likely to go to the visitors.
