Serie A's surprise package, Udinese, return to action on Monday night, as they visit Hellas Verona at Stadio Bentegodi.
Following five straight victories - including wins over Roma and Inter - the Bianconeri are back after the international break; facing struggling opponents managed by their former coach.
Match preview
© Reuters
An incredible run through late August into September saw Udinese surge up the Serie A standings, to reach third spot after seven rounds, and their most recent result created the greatest shockwaves of all.
A fortnight after crushing Roma 4-0 on home soil, Andrea Sottil's side welcomed likely Scudetto contenders Inter to the Dacia Arena just before international football intervened, and once again they put on quite a show for the Friulani faithful.
Despite going behind early on, the Bianconeri fought back with great verve to topple the 2020-21 champions, with late strikes from Jaka Bijol and Tolgay Arslan following Milan Skriniar's first-half own goal.
The Bianconeri have therefore equalled their best Serie A start by posting 16 points at this stage for the first time in over 20 years, and no team had scored more than their tally of 15 goals heading into the break.
It has clearly been an exceptional start to life under new boss Sottil - recently named September's 'Serie A Coach of the Month' - and his charges remain unbeaten since losing to Milan on the opening day.
Now echoing the achievements of years past, when they often troubled Italy's established order, Udinese will arrive in Verona with expectations raised. However, collecting a sixth win on the spin may not prove straightforward, as they have struggled to beat Monday's hosts in the recent past.
© Reuters
Indeed, Verona have gone unbeaten in five of their last six Serie A matches against Udinese, and have also kept clean sheets in each of their last three Serie A home games against them.
They will kick off their latest encounter, however, already 11 points adrift of their visitors in the standings - sitting 17th after the first seven rounds.
Former Udinese coach Gabriele Cioffi, who stepped in to steer the Bianconeri to safety last term, has endured a difficult spell since taking charge at the Bentegodi, and his side have won just once so far this season.
In fact, Hellas have won only one of their last 10 league games stretching back to the end of a disappointing 2021-22 campaign and have now lost their last two without scoring.
The last time the Gialloblu failed to score in three consecutive league fixtures was back in April 2018, but following successive 2-0 defeats to Lazio and Fiorentina last month, such a fate could be on the cards again.
Not only have Verona's new strike force of Kevin Lasagna and Thomas Henry failed to fire up front, but only Cremonese and Monza had conceded more goals before the eighth round kicked off; leaving Cioffi with an uphill task to turn things around and preserve his job.
Team News
© Reuters
As Udinese attempt to prolong their resurgence, Andrea Sottil has an almost fully fit squad from which to select on Monday, with only long-term absentee Adam Masina remaining out of action.
In midfield, the former Ascoli coach must choose between Jean-Victor Makengo and Tolgay Arslan to feature in the centre, while Roberto Pereyra should continue in his new role on the right flank.
The latter has previously scored three times against Verona in Serie A, and is one of just three players to have provided four or more assists in the top flight this term, alongside Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and teammate Gerard Deulofeu (both five).
Deulofeu should start in support of Portuguese striker Beto, who is averaging a goal every 74 minutes so far this season.
Meanwhile, the hosts have a similarly well-stocked squad to choose from, as only teenage defender Diego Coppola is an injury doubt for Verona.
Once again, Miguel Veloso will compete with Adrien Tameze for a place in central midfield, with either man joining Serbia international Ivan Ilic in the engine room.
Hellas Verona possible starting lineup:
Montipo; Ceccherini, Gunter, Hien; Faraoni, Ilic, Veloso, Doig; Lazovic; Lasagna, Henry
Udinese possible starting lineup:
Silvestri; Becao, Bijol, Perez; Pereyra, Lovric, Walace, Makengo, Udogie; Deulofeu, Beto
We say: Hellas Verona 1-1 Udinese
As Udinese have salvaged the most points from losing positions across the top five European leagues this term - winning three of four matches in which they trailed - even if they go behind, the visitors should be backed to recover. On home soil, though, Verona could prove a tough test, and have every chance of holding out for a point.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
