udinese vs sassuolo preview: prediction, team news and likely lineups
Udinese and Sassuolo meet in Serie A's Sunday lunchtime kickoff on February 15, 2026 (lunchtime ET) with both sides looking to respond after defeats on matchday 24. Two mid-table clubs with similar recent trajectories, they arrive at this fixture with contrasting form at home and on the road and a handful of key selection headaches.
Team news and likely XIs
Udinese remain without first-choice striker Keinan Davis and right-back Alessandro Zanoli, both sidelined with ongoing issues. Nicolo Zaniolo has begun to feature off the bench following knee surgery and made late appearances in recent matches; he could be pushed into the starting XI to bolster creativity in the final third. Polish pair Adam Buksa and Jakub Piotrowski have returned to full training and are options to freshen the attack and midfield if the manager wants more physical presence.
On the left flank, Hassane Kamara continues to struggle with a persistent foot problem, so Jordan Zemura is expected to keep his place. Udinese’s home form this season has been patchy — four wins, four draws and four defeats — and the club averages roughly one goal per home game, underlining a need to find more cutting edge.
Sassuolo arrive wounded after a heavy 5-0 loss to the league leaders. Nemanja Matic’s dismissal in that game has earned him a two-match ban, depriving the visitors of an experienced midfield presence. The good news for the Neroverdi is the return of skipper Domenico Berardi, whose comeback coincided with a brief revival, and he will be central to any attacking threat. Andrea Pinamonti remains a player under pressure after a prolonged goal drought.
Managerial clues suggest Sassuolo could line up with a three-man midfield built around Kristjan Thorstvedt, Lipani and Kone to try to control transitions without Matic. In defence, Jay Idzes and Walukiewicz are likely partners at centre back to cope with Udinese’s physical attackers.
Tactical battle and form
Udinese’s strengths and limitations are clear: a solid home record in recent meetings with Sassuolo — unbeaten in six home games against them — but an overall attacking output that has been modest. The hosts will aim to exploit familiarity and a generally comfortable standing in the table; they sit ninth with 32 points and have a little room for rotation without severe risk.
Sassuolo’s recent form is more volatile. The side that impressed in wins over Cremonese and Pisa looked revitalised with Berardi back, but the humbling against the champions exposed defensive frailties and disciplinary issues. Their away results have dipped: just one victory in their last six on the road, which undermines confidence for a trip to a stadium where they have struggled historically.
Tactically, the tie could be decided in midfield. If Udinese can get Zaniolo into pockets between the lines and combine him with a physically dominant forward, they will force Sassuolo into uncomfortable defensive positions. Conversely, Sassuolo will look to Berardi to create chances and to quick transitions to test Udinese’s wide defenders, especially if Zemura is pushed forward and leaves space in behind.
Prediction
This promises to be a tight, low-margin contest. Home familiarity and recent head-to-head dominance give Udinese a slight edge, while Sassuolo’s defensive doubts and Matic’s suspension make the visitors a riskier proposition. Expect a competitive first half with a decisive moment late on: Udinese to edge a narrow victory in Udine. Predicted score: Udinese 2, Sassuolo 1.
Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, February 15, 2026 (lunchtime ET). Team sheets are likely to be confirmed closer to kickoff as managers weigh fitness returns and tactical needs.
