At the Dacia Arena in Udine, on Saturday 22 November, the match valid for Serie A Matchday 12 between Udinese and Bologna will take place—two teams enjoying a decidedly positive start to the season. The Friulians are firmly in mid-table, four points away from sixth place and with a reassuring eight-point margin over the relegation zone. For Kosta Runjaic’s side, now in his second year on the Bianconeri bench, this represents a real turning point: a win would allow Udinese to get closer to the European spots, while a defeat could drag them back toward the dangerous end of the table. Bologna, on the other hand, arrive in Friuli aiming for their third consecutive league victory and to consolidate their current fifth place. Should the top four slip up, the Rossoblù could even push themselves into the UEFA Champions League zone, a target missed last year but achieved two seasons ago. A defeat, however, could prove costly, given the extremely tight standings and the pressure from Como and Juventus, both ready to overtake Vincenzo Italiano’s team. Despite being only Matchday 12, this is already a crucial clash for both sides: Udinese need to understand whether they can aim higher, while Bologna want to keep moving among the upper ranks of the Serie A table.

Udinese's Recent Form and Key Stats

Udinese have been inconsistent recently, with two wins and two defeats in their last four Serie A matches. In the most recent league round, played on 9 November, they lost 2-0 away to Roma, who are joint-top alongside Inter.

Runjaic’s men currently sit 10th with 15 points, the result of four wins, three draws and four defeats, with an average of 1.09 goals scored and 1.55 conceded per match. While the attack has shown decent continuity, the defence has been far too vulnerable—second-worst in the league behind bottom-placed Fiorentina.

The Friulians boast a strong home trend, remaining unbeaten in their last three Serie A matches at the Dacia Arena, with two wins and a draw. Including Coppa Italia fixtures, Udinese have lost only one of their seven home games in this first stretch of the season.

Coach Kosta Runjaic can be optimistic ahead of the clash with Bologna, as he has almost his entire squad available—except Kristensen and Miller. Up front, there is also the important return of Davis, who is expected to partner Zaniolo, who has scored twice in his last three matches.

Bologna's Recent Form and Key Stats

In continuity with the last two seasons, Bologna are confirming themselves as one of the most in-form teams in Italian football, currently unbeaten in ten matches across all competitions. Vincenzo Italiano’s men come from a crucial and impressive 2-0 victory over Napoli on 9 November, thanks to goals from Dallinga and Lucumì.

After the first eleven Serie A fixtures, the Emilian side are fifth with 21 points, the product of six wins, three draws and two defeats, with an average of 1.64 goals scored and just 0.73 conceded per match. The defence is experiencing a brilliant spell, having conceded only one goal in their last four matches across all competitions.

The Rossoblù have not lost any of their last five away games between Serie A and the UEFA Europa League, collecting three wins and two draws. In all five matches, Orsolini and his teammates have scored at least two goals, showcasing their offensive danger even away from home.

Unlike Udinese, the visitors must deal with numerous absences. Italiano will be without important players such as Freuler, Skorupski, Rowe, Cambiaghi and Holm. On the left flank, Dominguez could start from the first minute, but surprises cannot be ruled out, considering the decisive Europa League match on Thursday 27 November against Red Bull Salzburg.

Udinese vs Bologna Prediction by BetMines

Although Udinese have shown solidity in this early part of the season, Bologna are clear favourites to leave the Dacia Arena with all three points. Vincenzo Italiano’s men are in excellent form and are coming off a convincing victory over defending champions Napoli.

Despite the technical gap between the two sides, the feeling is that this match will be more balanced than expected. Bologna do not enjoy a strong tradition in Friuli: in their last ten meetings away to Udinese, the Rossoblù have won only once, confirming how difficult this ground has historically been for them.

Tactically, Bologna are expected to dictate play, relying on the greater technical quality of their squad. Udinese, meanwhile, will try to make the most of their physicality to win the ball and counter quickly, exploiting the pace of Atta and Zaniolo—the most dangerous players in the Friulian side.

The match could be decided especially on the wings, where Orsolini and Dominguez will have the chance to use their technique in duels against Kamara and Zanoli. Considering potential fatigue after international duties and the numerous absences—particularly on Bologna’s side—it is plausible that Italiano’s men could edge a narrow win, such as 0-1 or 0-2.

For these reasons, BetMines tips two outcomes: away win (2) and Under 2.5 goals, predicting a match with no more than two total goals.

Probable lineups Udinese vs Bologna

UDINESE (3-5-2): Okoye; Bertola, Kabasele, Solet; Zanoli, Ekkelenkamp, Karlstrom, Atta, Kamara; Davis, Zaniolo. Manager: Runjaic

BOLOGNA (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Zortea, Heggem, Lucumì, Miranda; Ferguson, Pobega; Orsolini, Odgaard, Dominguez; Castro. Manager: Italiano