Parma vs Udinese Prediction 16.09.2024 | Serie A

• Competition: Italy - Serie A
• Date: Monday, 16th, September 2024
• Kickoff: 17:30 UK / 18.30 CEST
• Venue: Stadio Ennio Tardini (Parma)

As they strive to validate their fine beginnings to the league campaign, newcomers Parma and a fired-up Udinese will battle it out at Stadio Tardini in Monday's Serie A fixture.

Parma’s three-year absence from Italy’s top flight has come to an end, as they reclaimed their elite status by winning the Serie B title last season. It’s logical that their main priority is staying in Serie A, but it seems that the Crociati have much bigger ambitions than mere survival. The schedule in the opening weeks of the new campaign has not been kind to Fabio Pecchia’s men, but they have managed to handle it remarkably well, having put a solid four points on the board from their first three matches.

On the other hand, Udinese are someone without whom Serie A cannot be imagined with three decades of uninterrupted presence, but it seems their football quality is declining, as confirmed last term when they barely grabbed six victories from 38 gameweeks and finished just two points above the relegation zone. In their quest to provide their supporters with a less stressful campaign than last, Le Zebrette have made promising strides in the opening weeks, with a 1-1 draw in the opener followed by back-to-back victories over Lazio and Como, achieving the same points total as defending champions Inter Milan.

Parma vs Udinese Betting Tips: BTTS

Predicting the direction of this matchup between two teams that have exceeded expectations in the early weeks is challenging, yet goals at both ends appear quite plausible as both teams have shown excellent offensive capabilities. Despite Udinese’s superior results so far, a visit to Ennio Tardini will be anything but straightforward, as big teams have already fallen there, with Parma holding Fiorentina to a 1-1 draw in the opener before stunning AC Milan 2-1 a week later. 

With an incredible posted xG of 5.91 in their opening clashes against top teams, it is clear that the attack is functioning flawlessly, but Crociati will need to address their defensive issues, as their net has been punctured in each of this season's four matches in all competitions. Although seven points represents an excellent return, it is honest to acknowledge that the Friulians have had their share of luck in the initial three Serie A fixtures, particularly their backline which has been subjected to an astonishing 60 shots, with 17 on target. 

With Udinese’s suspect defensive line, it will be challenging for them to stay impervious on Monday against Parma, who have consistently troubled them by penetrating the Friulians’ defense two or more times in their last six meetings. Recently, matches between these two rivals have been highly entertaining and filled with goals, as only one of the last seven encounters didn’t feature goals at both ends, so we hope Parma and Udinese will continue their scoring form and deliver another goal fest for the fans at Ennio Tardini.