Torino hosts Udinese this Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 4:45 pm local time at Itália, at Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, at captain Nikola Vlašić in midfield. The game marks a direct confrontation between teams separated by just one point in the table, with the home team in 11th place with 23 points and the visitors in 12th with 22.
The match gains importance due to the momentum of the teams, who are seeking consolidation in the top half of the standings. Torino is on a positive streak, while Udinese is trying to recover points lost in recent rounds. The broadcast is in charge of Disney+ for fans to follow all the moves.
Referee Fabio Maresca referees the duel, known for a low average of yellow cards per game. Ambas teams have significant absences due to injuries and call-ups, which directly influences the choices of coaches Marco Baroni and Kosta Runjaic.
Confirmed team lineups
Torino enters the field with Alberto Paleari in goal, forming the defensive line with Guillermo Maripán, Ardian Ismajli and Saúl Coco. In the middle, Valentino Lazaro and Zakaria Aboukhlal play on the flanks, with Emirhan İlkhan, Cesare Casadei and captain Nikola Vlašić centrally. In the attack, Aliou Njie and Giovanni Simeone are the references.
- Turin (3-5-2):Paleari; Maripán, Ismajli, Coco; Lazaro, İlkhan, Casadei, Vlašić (c), Aboukhlal; Njie, Simeone.
Udinese responds with Maduka Okoye on target, defended by Thomas Kristensen, Christian Kabasele and Oumar Solet. Alessandro Zanoli and Hassane Kamara occupy the wings, with Lennon Miller, captain Jesper Karlström and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp in the middle. At the front, Nicolò Zaniolo supports Keinan Davis.
- Udinese (3-5-2):Okoye; Kristensen, Kabasele, Solet; Zanoli, Miller, Karlström (c), Ekkelenkamp, Kamara; Zaniolo, Davis.
These formations reflect the options available to coaches, considering the current squad. The choices prioritize balance between defense and quick transition to attack.
Absences and squad situation
Torino deals with important absences in the defensive sector and midfield. Perr Schuurs and Ivan Ilić are out due to injury, while Niels Nkounkou and Cyril Ngonge are doubts until the last moment. Zanos Savva and Marcus Pedersen are also not confirmed for the game.
Udinese faces similar issues, with Adam Buksa, Vakoun Bayo, and Jordan Zemura out of combat. Saba Goglichidze continues to recover, and Arthur Atta is closely monitored by doctors. Esses absences force tactical adjustments on both sides.
The reserve benches have options like Duván Zapata and Che Adams in Torino, ready to come in and change the outlook of the match. Pela Udinese, players like Sandi Lovrić and Jakub Piotrowski can be used to reinforce the midfield.
Table position and recent form
Torino sits in 11th place with 23 points, coming off a convincing 3-0 victory over Hellas Verona in the previous round. The team recorded three victories in the last four games, showing recovery after an irregular period. At home, the Grenás seek to maintain their recent unbeaten record against direct rivals.
Udinese are just below, with 22 points, after a 1-0 defeat to Como. The Friulians have accumulated four defeats in their last six matches, which increases the pressure for a positive result away from home. The team needs to improve its performance as a visitor to avoid falling in the rankings.
- Torino’s last five games: loss, victory, victory, defeat, victory.
- Last five games of Udinese: defeat, victory, defeat, draw, defeat.
These numbers highlight the contrast in momentum between the teams before kick-off.
Head-to-head history
Torino has the advantage in recent matches against At home, Torino have not lost to this opponent for several rounds.
Udinese are looking to break this negative streak in Turim, where they have suffered defeats in recent visits. Games between them tend to be low-scoring, with under 2.5 prevailing in many of the last 15 clashes in Olimpico Grande Torino.
The history favors the home team, who have scored in almost all recent clashes. The match promises tactical balance, with both defenses solid despite the absences.
Stadium and referee details
Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, in Turim, hosts the game with capacity for thousands of fans. The place is known for the intense atmosphere created by the Granada fans, who support uninterruptedly throughout the 90 minutes. The modern structure favors highly competitive games in Serie A.
Fabio Maresca commands the refereeing, with an average of 5.55 yellow cards and 0.26 red cards per match. Sua driving is usually balanced, allowing fluidity in the game without excessive interruptions.
The temperature at Turim at this time of year requires teams to adapt, but the pitch is in ideal conditions. Todos these elements contribute to a typical Italian football spectacle.
Expectations for the confrontation
Torino comes in as a slight favourite, driven by home advantage and recent form. Marco Baroni’s team prioritizes ball possession and quick transitions, exploiting Aboukhlal’s speed and Vlašić’s vision. A victory could bring the Grenás closer to the upper intermediate pack.
Udinese, under Kosta Runjaic, adopts a cautious stance away from home, counting on the creativity of Zaniolo and the solidity of Karlström. A point would be valuable to stabilize the position in the table and gain confidence for the next rounds.
The direct duel for points in half of the table makes each move decisive. The confirmed lineups indicate matches played in midfield, with chances of goals from set pieces or counterattacks.
