Having seen their unbeaten streak finally ended at the weekend, Udinese aim to get back on track in the Coppa Italia, as they host Salernitana on Wednesday.
The winner of the teams' second-round tie will earn a place in the last 16, where a trip to meet Italian champions Inter Milan at San Siro awaits.
Match preview
© Imago
Before tackling Serie A's crisis club Roma - who had just sacked a club hero and were besieged by fan protests - Udinese were flying high near the top of the table after posting three straight wins.
With 10 points on the board - seven more than their hosts - the Bianconeri had equalled their best start to a top-flight campaign, but that form ultimately counted for nothing when they fell to a 3-0 defeat at Stadio Olimpico.
Nonetheless, Kosta Runjaic's side still sit third in the standings, and life under their new coach is going well by comparison with last season's grim relegation battle.
The Friulani had previously beaten Como, Lazio and Parma after an opening-day draw with Bologna, having cruised through the first round of the Coppa Italia.
In a sign of what was to come this term, four forwards scored in Udinese's 4-0 defeat of Avellino early last month, with Brenner, Lorenzo Lucca, Keinan Davis and Florian Thauvin all notching on that occasion.
Just a few months ago, Salernitana were also involved in that scrap for Serie A survival, but they ultimately fell through the trapdoor into Italy's second tier.
So far, the Granata have failed to get to grips with Serie B, as they have won only twice at the start of their quest for promotion back to the top flight, in addition to beating Spezia on penalties in the Coppa Italia.
Giovanni Martusciello's men occupy 15th place in the table, following Saturday's goalless draw at Reggiana. A much-changed squad may be taking time to find its feet under new management, but patience is short in Salerno.
A cup upset on Wednesday would certainly come as a timely boost for Salernitana, but they have picked up just one point on the road so far and are outsiders to secure that glamorous last-16 contest against Inter.
Team News
© Imago
Ahead of Saturday's league game with Inter, Udinese are expected to freshen up their starting XI in midweek, with forward trio Brenner, Lorenzo Lucca and Florian Thauvin likely to be broken up.
With only returning hero Alexis Sanchez ruled out by injury, Kosta Runjaic has plenty of options to choose from, including ex-Watford striker Keinan Davis.
Veteran goalkeeper Daniele Padelli could also be brought in, with first choice Maduka Okoye rested.
It remains to be seen whether Salernitana boss Giovanni Martusciello retains his 4-3-3 formation away to top-flight opponents, or instead brings in an extra midfielder.
If the latter course is chosen, former Italy international Roberto Soriano may start for the Granata, potentially joining Guilio Maggiore and Lorenzo Amatucci in the engine room.
As Juventus youth graduate Franco Tongya is absent due to injury, Jayden Braaf could keep his place on the left flank.
Udinese possible starting lineup:
Padelli; Abankwah, Toure, Kristensen; Ehizibue, Payero, Zarraga, Zemura; Brenner, Bravo; Davis
Salernitana possible starting lineup:
Sepe; Stojanovic, Ferrari, Bronn, Njoh; Soriano, Amatucci, Maggiore; Verde, Torregrossa, Braaf
We say: Udinese 2-0 Salernitana
These sides played out two 1-1 draws in Serie A last season, but Udinese are set to come out on top in Wednesday's cup clash, which will see Salernitana having to journey hundreds of miles north.
With momentum on their side and some promising squad players standing ready to be promoted, the Fruilani should get the job done against opponents that do not travel well.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
