Salernitana – Udinese

Salernitana will not be able to secure a convincing win over Udinese

Udinese benefited from the departure of Luca Gotti. The new coach, Gabriele Cioffi, had a very respectable season and ensured that the team not only retained their place, but also enjoyed a carefree existence in the middle of the table. The Friuli are sitting in 12th place with 44 points and can only drop one place lower. Over the last ten rounds, Udinese have lost just three times (to Spezia, Inter and Napoli). And in all cases they did so with just one goal difference. Surprisingly, Cioffi still has no contract for next season. One of the reasons why the team continues to play is the mentor's desire to negotiate more comfortable terms for himself. Salernitana continue to fight for survival. Before the last round, the Seahorses are two points ahead of Cagliari, but don't get too excited for the team. Even that handicap could be enough for the team if they draw in this meeting and the Islanders win. Because of the two draws in the head-to-head games, the goal difference will decide everything. And in that respect, things are not so bright for Davide Nicola's side. The draw with Empoli in the last round suggests rather that Salernitana's fervour is getting less and less. And in this match, Nicola will have a very difficult choice: play for a draw, try to score a goal and keep the score or focus on attack and fight an unyielding opponent. Either of these options could ruin the team. It is worth remembering that Cagliari are playing against Serie A relegated Venezia. It is also important to note that all the victories that the Seahorses have secured on their final outing have been by just one goal difference. This also applies to the match against Udinese a month ago. Back then, Nicola's men took the three points thanks to a 90+3rd minute goal, but with not the most outstanding game overall. Obviously, the home side have a lot more motivation for this game. But Udinese definitely can't be lulled into the ranks of teams who will do nothing. A couple of rounds ago, the Friulians played scudetto challenger Inter almost on equal terms with them, so Salernitana is no different. Either way, it will be a tough match. We can hardly expect an easy win for the home side. Moreover, it's possible that the Seahorses' winning streak could have been in vain.