Udinese vs Lazio: Serie A Round 3 Preview as Injuries Mount
Udinese welcome Lazio in Serie A round three on Monday evening, with both clubs looking to build on contrasting starts to the 2026‑27 campaign. The hosts settled for a home draw against Como on the opening matchday, while Lazio kicked off with a win over Bologna to sit on three points after one game.
Team News and Injury Latest
Udinese are stretched by several absences. Christian Kabasele serves a suspension, while Nicolò Zaniolo (muscle), Giorgi Chakvetadze (broken foot) and Matteo Palma (muscle) are all sidelined. The likely back three of Abankwah, Solet and Bertola will be tested, with Hassane Kamara expected to continue at left wing‑back after scoring the opener against Como.
Lazio travel with five players unavailable. Luca Pellegrini (thigh), Alessio Furlanetto (cruciate ligament), Patric (unspecified), Samuel Gigot (back) and Josip Sutalo (knock) are all out. Christos Mandas should keep his place in goal, with Oliver Provstgaard and Danilho Doekhi forming the central‑defensive pairing. Mattia Zaccagni will captain the side from an advanced role.
Udinese Form Guide
Kosta Runjaic’s team took a point from their opening fixture, Kamara’s delicate chip putting them ahead before Como pegged them back. Last season’s 10th‑place finish owed much to a strong away record — eight wins on the road — but the Zebrette will want to make their usual home ground count. A positive start here could set the tone for a push toward the top half.
Lazio Form Guide
Lazio began the campaign with a composed performance against Bologna, controlling midfield through Nicolò Rovella and Kenneth Taylor. The Biancocelesti carry a good recent head‑to‑head edge: the last meeting between these sides ended in a 3‑2 victory for the Roman club. With Zaccagni, Dia and Cancellieri providing movement in the final third, they will aim to stretch Udinese’s reshuffled defence.
Key Battle: Rovella vs Karlstrom
The midfield duel between Nicolò Rovella and Udinese’s Jesper Karlstrom could decide the tempo. Rovella’s ability to break lines with his passing will be met by Karlstrom’s tenacious pressing and defensive reading. Whichever player imposes himself more consistently may give his side the platform to control the contest.
With both teams missing first‑choice personnel, the first goal could be decisive. Lazio would consolidate their early position near the summit with another win, while Udinese need a result to avoid losing touch before the schedule intensifies.