Mark O’Haire’s European Football Tips – Inter Milan v Udinese

Inter Milan’s midweek defeat to Genoa has left the Nerazzurri needing to overturn a seven-point deficit with just four games remaining if they’re to clinch Champions League qualification.

Inter Milan v Udinese, Saturday 23rd April 2016, 19.45, BT Sport 1
Roberto Mancini admitted it’s a ‘very difficult’ task with the Europa League looking like Inter’s destination for 2016/17.

Inter’s maddening inconstancy is to blame – across their last 10 outings, the hosts have won just five (W5-D1-L4) but did hand Napoli a 2-0 beating last weekend – one of five San Siro successes in their last six outings.

Under Mancini’s watch, the Nerazzurri boast just a 50% win rate as hosts (W15-D7-L8) but they should be capable of seeing off a Udinese side that’s all but saved themselves from relegation.

The Zebrette saw off Fiorentina 2-1 thanks to goals from Duvan Zapata and Cyril Thereau, pushing Luigi De Canio’s charges eight points clear of the bottom-three. It was just Udinese’s third triumph in 10 (W3-D2-L5).

Recent Record
The visitors have bagged the notable scalps of Juventus and Napoli this season but without a win in eight on their travels and boasting Serie A’s second lowest scoring side, an upset looks unlikely. But I wouldn’t discount the Zebrette from scoring.

Inter have struggled to find their defensive unity that held together their strong early season form and whilst they’ve W6-D1-L1 when welcoming bottom-half teams, Mancini’s men have kept their sheets clean in only three of those eight encounters.

Bets, Bets, Bets
With Udinese returning W3-D3-L5 at teams above them in the Serie A standings and finding the net in all bar three of those 11 fixtures, I like the look of Inter to win and Both Teams To Score at a more than fair 23/10 on Saturday night.

Recommended Bet:
Inter Milan to win and Both Teams To Score (23/10)

*Prices correct at time of publication