Will Juve continue their upward trend in the cup?
Since Luciano Spalletti took charge at Juventus Football Club, the Italian record champions’ form has been pointing in the right direction again. The Old Lady has played six competitive games under the former Neapolitan championship-winning coach and has yet to suffer a defeat.
Although the record of three wins and three draws still leaves room for improvement, the team has recently achieved two consecutive victories in the Champions League against Bodö/Glimt and in the home game against Cagliari. From the Biancoeri’s point of view, they now need to build on this during the week. Despite being clear favorites, betting on the home team between Juventus and Udinese comes with certain risks.
The visitors from Friuli in the northeast of the country have had a solid season so far. Currently ninth in the table, they have already built up a comfortable cushion above the relegation zone and can therefore go into this Coppa Italia round of 16 match with a sense of freedom. For the first time since the 2013/14 season, the “Zebrette” are looking to reach the quarter-finals of the Italian cup competition.
Although the best bookmakers are unanimously predicting a win for Spalletti’s team ahead of Juventus’ knockout game against Udinese, the underdogs, led by Kosta Runjaic, who is well known in Germany, are by no means without a chance. The black and whites have performed particularly well away from home this season. Ten points from seven Serie A away games and seventh place in the away table are just as noteworthy as the surprise three points at the start of the season at San Siro against Inter Milan. The dress rehearsal at the weekend was also a victory, with a 2-0 win in Parma!
Despite the aforementioned upward trend, the Old Lady is still far from her best form. They are currently only seventh in the league, and in the Champions League, the Turin side must continue to push hard to secure a playoff spot. With another matchday in the Champions League coming up next week and the Bianconeri in the middle of their second consecutive week of three games in seven days, it cannot be ruled out that Spalletti will use his squad depth to rotate.
All in all, I think the odds are far too one-sided in favor of the home team ahead of the Juventus vs. Udinese match. This makes it all the more interesting to bet on a potential upset. There is even value to be found in the Udinese (+2) handicap tip, which is paying out at 1.70 at Winamax.
Juventus – Udinese Head-to-head record
The teams faced each other in Serie A just a month ago. Juventus won 3-1 at home in their first game after Igor Tudor’s dismissal, but still without Spalletti on the bench. It was also their ninth win in the last eleven encounters between these teams. It is also worth noting that in eight of the last nine matches, only one of the two teams scored. However, that could well change on Tuesday evening in the cup competition. The Juventus vs. Udinese betting odds on “Both teams to score” are also worth considering.
Juventus – Udinese Tip
On paper, there is no question as to who will reach the quarterfinals in the Juventus vs. Udinese match. The odds leave no doubt that the Old Lady is the clear favorite going into the match. This is understandable, considering that the Bianconeri last exited the Coppa Italia before the quarterfinals in 2006/07! Nevertheless, the match has the potential for a surprise. Udinese are having a decent season, have collected more points away than at home, and are also speculating that the home side will focus primarily on the league and the Champions League.
It must also be noted that although Juve have improved under Spalletti and have not lost any of their last six competitive games, there is still plenty of room for improvement in terms of performance. Those who want to bet on the favorites being eliminated are offered odds of 4.05 at Betano. I’m only risking slightly lower odds of 1.70 for the Juventus vs. Udinese tip on Udinese (+2). My fictitious stake is six units.
