Match Information
Match Overview
Udinese welcome Cremonese to the Bluenergy Stadium - Stadio Friuli on May 17 for a crucial Regular Season Round 37 encounter that carries significant implications for both sides in the Serie A table. With the season nearing its climax, Udinese sit comfortably in 9th position while Cremonese find themselves in the precarious 18th spot, fighting desperately to avoid relegation.
Our explore match stats covers the key factors in greater depth.
The contrasting league positions tell the story of two teams with vastly different objectives heading into this late-season fixture. Udinese under Kosta Runjaic have enjoyed a solid campaign and occupy a respectable mid-table position, suggesting they can approach this match with freedom and confidence. Their recent form has been impressive, collecting victories in three of their last five Serie A matches, including notable away wins at Cagliari on May 9 and AC Milan on April 11. This positive momentum, combined with their comfortable league standing, allows them to play without the pressure that often accompanies relegation battles.
In stark contrast, Cremonese's 18th-place position puts them in immediate danger of demotion, making this fixture potentially season-defining for Marco Giampaolo's side. Their recent form presents a mixed picture, with a convincing 3-0 home victory over Pisa on May 10 providing hope, but this positive result came after a difficult period that included heavy defeats to Napoli and losses to both Lazio and Cagliari. The psychological pressure of fighting for survival at this stage of the season cannot be understated, particularly when facing a team that has shown consistent quality throughout the campaign.
Neither side reports injury concerns, meaning both managers can field their strongest available lineups for this crucial encounter. The absence of fitness issues should ensure the match is decided purely on tactical preparation and execution rather than squad limitations, adding further intrigue to what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two experienced Serie A coaches.
Predicted Lineups
Udinese
M. Okoye; B. Mlacic, T. Kristensen, O. Solet; K. Ehizibue, J. Piotrowski, J. Karlstrom, A. Atta, H. Kamara; N. Zaniolo, A. Buksa
Cremonese
E. Audero; F. Terracciano, M. Bianchetti, S. Luperto, G. Pezzella; T. Barbieri, A. Grassi, Y. Maleh, J. Vandeputte; F. Bonazzoli, J. Vardy
Team Form Analysis
Udinese
League Position: 9Udinese Form Analysis
Udinese have demonstrated impressive consistency in their recent Serie A outings, collecting seven points from their last five matches with three victories, one draw, and one defeat. Their attacking prowess has been particularly noteworthy, scoring seven goals across these fixtures while showing the ability to find the net both at home and away. The 3-0 victory at AC Milan on April 11 stands out as their most impressive result, showcasing their capability to perform against quality opposition on hostile territory.
Defensively, Kosta Runjaic's side has shown both resilience and occasional vulnerability. While they managed clean sheets in victories over Cagliari and Torino, they were involved in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Lazio on April 27, demonstrating their attacking intent even when trailing. The narrow 1-0 home defeat to Parma on April 18 represents their only significant disappointment in recent weeks, but this was quickly followed by positive responses.
The quality of opposition faced during this run has been varied, with victories coming against teams across different parts of the table. Their ability to secure crucial away points, particularly the recent 2-0 success at Cagliari on May 9, highlights their mental strength and tactical flexibility under Runjaic's guidance, making them formidable opponents for any visiting side.
Cremonese
League Position: 18Cremonese Form Analysis
Cremonese enter this fixture with mixed recent form that reflects the uncertainty typical of teams battling relegation. Their last five Serie A matches have yielded four points from one victory, one draw, and three defeats, with their goal difference of minus-four highlighting both attacking limitations and defensive vulnerabilities. The standout performance came in their most recent outing, a commanding 3-0 home victory over Pisa on May 10, which provided crucial breathing space in their survival fight.
However, this positive result came after a challenging period that exposed some concerning trends. The 4-0 defeat at Napoli on April 24 was particularly damaging, both to their goal difference and confidence, while narrow defeats to Lazio and Cagliari demonstrated their tendency to fall short in crucial moments. The goalless draw with Torino on April 19 showed their defensive organization capabilities but also highlighted their struggles to create clear scoring opportunities.
Marco Giampaolo's tactical approach has emphasized defensive solidity, but the team's away form remains a concern given their precarious league position. Their ability to deliver under pressure will be severely tested in this fixture, as they face a Udinese side that has proven capable of exploiting defensive weaknesses. The psychological aspect of playing with relegation pressure against a team with nothing to lose could prove decisive.
Head-to-Head
Udinese
Cremonese
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-10-20 | Cremonese | 1 - 1 | Udinese |
| 2023-04-23 | Udinese | 3 - 0 | Cremonese |
| 2022-12-29 | Cremonese | 1 - 3 | Udinese |
| 2022-10-30 | Cremonese | 0 - 0 | Udinese |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these sides has produced several entertaining encounters, with their most recent meeting on October 20, 2025, ending in a 1-1 draw that showcased both teams' competitive spirit. This result demonstrated the typically close nature of fixtures between these clubs, where tactical battles often take precedence over free-flowing football.
The most memorable clash came on April 23, 2023, when Udinese secured a comprehensive 3-0 home victory that highlighted their superior attacking quality on that occasion. This result established a psychological advantage for the Friulians in recent meetings between the sides.
Their December 29, 2022 encounter proved equally decisive, with Udinese claiming another convincing victory, this time winning 3-1 away from home at Cremonese. These results suggest Udinese have held the upper hand in recent encounters, though the narrow draw in their last meeting indicates Cremonese's ability to frustrate their opponents when properly organized defensively.
Venue Factor
The Bluenergy Stadium - Stadio Friuli has traditionally provided Udinese with a significant advantage, particularly during important fixtures where home support can influence proceedings. The intimate atmosphere created by the passionate Udinese faithful often translates into additional motivation for the home players, especially when facing teams from lower league positions.
Udinese's recent home form includes victories over quality opponents, demonstrating their ability to utilize familiar surroundings effectively. Their tactical setup under Kosta Runjaic appears well-suited to maximizing home advantage, with the team showing confidence in attacking phases while maintaining defensive organization.
For Cremonese, traveling to face established Serie A opponents represents a significant challenge, particularly given the pressure of their league situation. Away fixtures often expose the mental fragility that can affect relegation-threatened teams, and the hostile environment could amplify existing concerns. However, their recent away performances have shown occasional resilience, suggesting they won't surrender easily despite the challenging circumstances they face in this crucial fixture.
Injury Concerns
Udinese
Cremonese
