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Paolo Zanetti returns to the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on Friday, 6 November, as Udinese's new manager facing former club Venezia in a crucial relegation battle.
Udinese dismissed Kosta Runjaic following five points from ten Serie A games, leaving them 19th, two points above rock-bottom Venezia.
Both sides desperately need a result, but the managerial change could offer the visitors the spark to secure a rare victory.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Venezia vs Udinese key stats
- Venezia have lost nine of their opening ten Serie A matches (W1, L9).
- Udinese have taken just one point from their last five league matches (D1, L4).
- Venezia have failed to score in three consecutive Serie A matches.
- Udinese have conceded 12 goals in their last five league games.
- Keinan Davis scored ten league goals last season but has none in nine appearances in 2026/27.
Venezia vs Udinese preview: Can Zanetti inspire an immediate turnaround?
Venezia vs Udinese — Tale of the Tape
| Venezia | vs | Udinese |
|---|---|---|
| 20th | Position | 19th |
| 3 | Points | 5 |
| 6 | Goals For | 11 |
| 20 | Goals Against | 23 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 18th (H) | Home / Away Rank | 14th (A) |
Zanetti's appointment after Runjaic's dismissal gives Udinese an immediate chance to reset, although he inherits a side struggling for results and confidence.
The 43-year-old knows the Penzo well, having led Venezia into Serie A in 2021 before taking charge of Empoli and Verona.
Davide Nicola's Venezia have collected just three points from ten league games, with their only win coming against Napoli in October.
The hosts have followed that 1-0 success with three consecutive defeats without scoring, against Genoa, Inter and Como.
With just six goals all season, Venezia have the division's weakest scoring record and could struggle to take advantage of Udinese's defensive problems.
Nicola is expected to retain his 3-5-2 formation, with Akor Adams and John Yeboah the leading candidates to start up front.
Udinese's 5-2 home defeat to Roma ultimately cost Runjaic his job, taking their goals conceded to 23 in ten league matches.
Zanetti could initially use a 3-4-2-1, with Nicolò Zaniolo and Jurgen Ekkelenkamp supporting Keinan Davis, although his plans remain uncertain.
Davis has delivered two league assists without scoring, but Venezia's porous back line could provide the opening he needs to end that drought.
Four of Udinese's five league points have come away from home, suggesting the visitors may be better equipped to compete on their travels.
Udinese also beat Venezia 2-1 in September's Coppa Italia, but this meeting carries far greater stakes for two clubs in the relegation zone.
The away side have gone eight league games without victory, yet Zanetti's arrival offers a plausible reason to expect a stronger response on Friday.
Venezia vs Udinese form guide & betting tips
| Venezia | vs | Udinese |
|---|---|---|
LWLLL | Form | LLLDL |
| 3 | Points | 1 |
| 17th | Form Table | 19th |
| 2 | Goals For | 3 |
| 7 | Goals Against | 12 |
LWLLL | Form (All Comps) | LLLDL |
Whispers predicts: Venezia 1-2 Udinese
Venezia 1-2 Udinese is our score prediction, with Zanetti's arrival potentially providing enough momentum to overcome two vulnerable defences.
Udinese Draw No Bet at 2.25 backs a new-manager response while offering a stake refund if the relegation clash ends level.
Venezia Under 1.5 Team Goals at 1.80 looks reasonable after only six goals in ten games and three successive blanks.
Keinan Davis Anytime Scorer at 3.25 is a more speculative pick, based on his ten goals last season and expected central attacking role.
> Udinese Draw No Bet at 2.25 | Likelihood: Possible
> Venezia Under 1.5 Team Goals at 1.80 | Likelihood: Likely
> Keinan Davis Anytime Scorer at 3.25 | Likelihood: Possible