Monday 14/04/2014, 22:00, Italy Serie A, Round 33, Udinese vs Juventus

Udinese vs Juventus Betting Preview

With a five points lead over AS Roma, one game in hand and only five rounds left in the Italian Serie A, Juventus are virtually champions. The runner-up's have earned a predictable victory over Atalanta on Saturday and remain within striking distance, but they are still huge underdogs to overtake the leader. Udinese has successfully avoided relegation and will be playing for glory alone, without any pressure whatsoever.

Udinese vs Juventus Betting Odds

At Bet365

Udinese 5.50, Draw 4.00 Juventus 1.60

Udinese vs Juventus Betting Tips

The hosts have plenty of reasons to be disappointed about how this season turned out, as they won just 11 games and sit in the 14th place. Some of their best players are expected to leave at the end of the season, but for the time being they still have enough options upfront to cause a major upset.

Arguably the best player in their rotation is striker Antonio DiNatale, the uncontested top scorer and a permanent threat for any defense. At his age, he lacks speed and stamina but he is every bit as precise in front of them and as he ever was.

The hosts will have more problems in the midfield where Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Andrea Lazzari are missing. The back line will need to play its best game to keep backup goaltender Scuffet well protected, now that Ivan Kelava is sidelined with an injury. On the bright side, Udinese has played without its first goalkeeper for most of the season and the replacement had 11 games on the pitch.

The visitors will also be traveling without some of their players, as Simone Pepe and Andrea Barzagli are both injured. Conte needs to decide whether to push his veterans tonight or use them only a half, so they get enough rest ahead of the Europa League semifinal against Portuguese champions Benfica.

The first half is probably going to be less flamboyant, with Francesco Guidolin's side wary of Juventus' offensive prowess. DiNatale remains the main threat for the visitors, even if he will probably get stranded upfront and constantly guarded by two Juventus defenders.

Key Facts

• Udinese hasn't lost a home match in the last three months and only dropped points in one of the last five games.
• Juventus would gladly settle for a point that would consolidate their position at the top of Serie A, without risking injuries to key players.

Udinese vs Juventus Betting Prediction

The visitors are greatly underpriced tonight and backing them at odds of 1.60 to win on the road is not worth the risk. I choose to bet on Udinese to win or draw at odds of 2.40, while risk-averse players could take fewer chances in exchange of a lower payout and settle for the 1:0 Asian handicap. This returns the stakes if Juventus wins by the odd goal.

Bet: Udinese or Draw @ 2.40 with Bet365