Udinese vs AC Milan — 25 October 2026

AC Milan travel to Udinese looking to extend their unbeaten start to the Serie A season. Domestic competition remains a priority for Ruben Amorim's team, who have collected points in all seven league matches so far. Udinese, meanwhile, have lost five consecutive games and are struggling to recover from a difficult start to the campaign. Recent meetings in Udine also favor Milan, who have won on their last three visits.

Udinese's Declining Form and Defensive Problems

Udinese began the season hoping to build on previous progress and establish themselves in the top half of Serie A. Instead, by the eighth round, Kosta Runjaic's team have found themselves fighting near the bottom of the standings after five consecutive defeats.

Their latest setback was particularly concerning. Udinese suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Lecce, who created several additional clear scoring opportunities. Runjaic's side produced just 0.57 expected goals (xG), their lowest attacking output in the league this season.

In response, Udinese began an extended training camp on Thursday evening, keeping the squad together until the Milan match. The decision reflects the urgency of their situation, although the team's defensive problems have been evident in both league fixtures since the international break.

Before the Lecce defeat, Udinese lost 2-1 to Torino in a match where their opponents generated 2.64 xG and had opportunities to score more. The recurring defensive lapses have made it difficult for Udinese to compete consistently, even when they manage to create chances of their own.

Runjaic must also cope with the absence of David Alaba. The experienced defender, who previously played for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, has suffered a calf injury and is not expected to return before November 22.

Despite their poor results, Udinese have scored in seven of their nine competitive matches during the 2026/27 season. Their main challenge has been combining that attacking contribution with a more reliable defensive structure.

Milan's Strong League Form and European Setback

Milan experienced a difficult midweek trip to England, losing 3-0 to Bournemouth in the Europa League. However, the circumstances of that defeat provide important context. Amorim selected a heavily rotated starting lineup, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off in the 28th minute, leaving Milan to play most of the match with ten men.

Their domestic performances have been considerably more encouraging. Milan remain unbeaten after seven Serie A rounds, including draws against Lazio (2-2) and Juventus (1-1), as well as a 3-2 victory over Atalanta.

The performance against Atalanta was arguably Milan's strongest of the season. Amorim's team controlled much of the contest and limited their opponents' ability to respond until the final third of the match.

Milan are still developing their playing identity under the Portuguese manager, but several tactical characteristics are becoming clear. The team emphasize controlled possession, high pressing, and numerical advantages in wide areas. These elements have helped Milan maintain consistency in Serie A despite their less convincing European performances.

Squad availability presents another challenge ahead of the trip to Udine. Right wingback Samuel Chukwueze, an important player in Amorim's system, is sidelined through injury. His absence reduces Milan's options on the flank, where the team regularly seeks to create overloads.

There is more encouraging news regarding Gonçalo Ramos. The center forward, Milan's most expensive signing in club history, has returned to full team training and is expected to be included in the matchday squad.

Despite their unbeaten league record, Milan have shown some defensive vulnerability recently, conceding five goals across their last two matches against Atalanta and Bournemouth. Maintaining their defensive organization will remain important as they look to extend their domestic run.

Referee: Matteo Marcenaro

Matteo Marcenaro was among Serie A's stricter referees last season, averaging 4.08 yellow cards per match. However, he has awarded penalties in only two of his last 17 Serie A appearances.

Key Factors

A central question is whether Udinese can maintain their defensive shape against Milan's possession-based approach. Amorim's team regularly looks to create numerical advantages on the flanks, while Udinese have struggled to restrict opposing attacks in recent matches.

Milan must also manage the effects of their midweek European fixture and adjust to Chukwueze's absence. Udinese's ability to withstand pressure without leaving space for Milan's attacking combinations could be an important factor in how the match develops.