40 Facts About Udinese Vs. Milan

Udinese vs. Milan: A Historic Rivalry

The clash between Udinese and Milan is one of the most anticipated fixtures in Italian football. This rivalry has produced countless memorable moments, thrilling matches, and unforgettable goals. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this historic matchup.

1. First Encounter: Udinese and Milan first faced each other on October 24, 1926. Milan emerged victorious with a 3-1 win.

2. Longest Unbeaten Streak: Milan holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in this fixture, going 12 matches without a loss from 2002 to 2008.

3. Biggest Victory: Milan's largest margin of victory against Udinese came on February 3, 1952, when they won 7-0.

4. Udinese's Biggest Win: Udinese's most significant triumph over Milan was a 4-1 victory on May 19, 2013.

5. Total Matches Played: As of 2023, Udinese and Milan have faced each other 95 times in Serie A.

Legendary Players

Both clubs have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. These players have left an indelible mark on the Udinese vs. Milan rivalry.

6. Paolo Maldini: Milan legend Paolo Maldini played 47 matches against Udinese, more than any other player.

7. Antonio Di Natale: Udinese's all-time top scorer, Antonio Di Natale, netted 11 goals against Milan during his career.

8. Andriy Shevchenko: Milan's Andriy Shevchenko scored 14 goals against Udinese, making him the top scorer in this fixture.

9. Franco Baresi: Milan's iconic defender Franco Baresi played 32 matches against Udinese, showcasing his defensive prowess.

10. Zico: Brazilian legend Zico played for Udinese from 1983 to 1985 and scored three goals against Milan.

Memorable Matches

Certain matches between Udinese and Milan have become legendary due to their drama, excitement, and significance.

11. 1998 Thriller: On May 10, 1998, Udinese and Milan played out a thrilling 4-4 draw, one of the highest-scoring matches in their history.

12. Title Decider: On May 22, 1999, Milan secured the Serie A title with a 2-1 victory over Udinese, thanks to goals from Oliver Bierhoff and George Weah.

13. Last-Minute Drama: On January 22, 2012, Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimović scored a last-minute equalizer to salvage a 1-1 draw against Udinese.

14. Comeback Kings: On February 8, 2015, Milan came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Udinese, with goals from Giampaolo Pazzini and Jeremy Menez.

15. Goal Fest: On September 11, 2011, Udinese and Milan played a thrilling 3-3 draw, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess.

Managers and Tactics

The tactical battles between the managers of Udinese and Milan have often been as intriguing as the matches themselves.

16. Carlo Ancelotti: Milan's Carlo Ancelotti faced Udinese 18 times, winning 11 of those encounters.

17. Francesco Guidolin: Udinese's Francesco Guidolin managed 14 matches against Milan, securing five victories.

18. Arrigo Sacchi: Milan's legendary manager Arrigo Sacchi had a 70% win rate against Udinese during his tenure.

19. Alberto Zaccheroni: Zaccheroni managed both Udinese and Milan, winning the Serie A title with Milan in 1999.

20. Luciano Spalletti: Spalletti, who managed Udinese from 2002 to 2005, had a mixed record against Milan, with three wins, four draws, and five losses.

Stadiums and Atmosphere

The venues where Udinese and Milan clash add to the spectacle, with passionate fans creating an electric atmosphere.

21. San Siro: Milan's iconic San Siro stadium has hosted numerous memorable matches against Udinese, with a capacity of over 75,000 fans.

22. Stadio Friuli: Udinese's home ground, Stadio Friuli, now known as Dacia Arena, has a capacity of 25,000 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere.

23. Record Attendance: The highest attendance for a Udinese vs. Milan match was 78,000 at San Siro on April 29, 1979.

24. Fan Chants: Both sets of fans are known for their passionate chants, with Milan's "Forza Milan" and Udinese's "Alè Udin" echoing through the stadiums.

25. Tifo Displays: The tifos (choreographed displays) by Milan's Curva Sud and Udinese's Curva Nord add color and excitement to the matches.

Records and Statistics

The Udinese vs. Milan rivalry is rich with records and statistics that highlight the competitive nature of their encounters.

26. Most Goals in a Season: The 1998-99 season saw the most goals in Udinese vs. Milan matches, with a total of 12 goals scored in their two encounters.

27. Clean Sheets: Milan has kept 35 clean sheets against Udinese, while Udinese has managed 18.

28. Hat-tricks: Only two players have scored hat-tricks in this fixture: Milan's Marco van Basten and Udinese's Antonio Di Natale.

29. Penalty Kicks: There have been 22 penalties awarded in Udinese vs. Milan matches, with Milan converting 15 and Udinese 7.

30. Red Cards: A total of 18 red cards have been shown in this fixture, with Milan receiving 10 and Udinese 8.

Recent Encounters

The recent matches between Udinese and Milan continue to provide excitement and drama for football fans.

31. 2021-22 Season: In the 2021-22 season, Milan won both encounters against Udinese, with scores of 2-1 and 3-0.

32. 2020-21 Season: The 2020-21 season saw a 1-1 draw at Stadio Friuli and a 2-1 win for Milan at San Siro.

33. 2019-20 Season: Udinese secured a 1-0 victory at home, while Milan won 3-2 in the return fixture.

34. 2018-19 Season: Both matches ended in draws, with a 1-1 result at Stadio Friuli and a 0-0 stalemate at San Siro.

35. 2017-18 Season: Milan won 2-1 at home, while the away match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about the Udinese vs. Milan rivalry that add to its charm.

36. Mascots: Milan's mascot is a devil named "Milanello," while Udinese's mascot is a zebra named "Zebrone."

37. Club Nicknames: Milan is often referred to as "Rossoneri" (Red and Blacks), while Udinese is known as "Bianconeri" (White and Blacks).

38. Youth Academies: Both clubs have renowned youth academies, with Milan's "Vismara" and Udinese's "La cantera" producing talented players.

39. International Players: Over the years, many international stars have played in this fixture, including Kaka, Clarence Seedorf, Alexis Sanchez, and Samir Handanovic.

40. Charity Matches: Udinese and Milan have occasionally played charity matches to raise funds for various causes, showcasing the spirit of sportsmanship.

Final Whistle

Udinese vs. Milan has always been a thrilling fixture. From historic matches to unforgettable goals, this rivalry never disappoints. Both teams have their unique strengths and weaknesses, making each encounter unpredictable. Fans eagerly await these clashes, knowing they’ll witness top-tier football. Whether it’s Milan’s storied history or Udinese’s underdog spirit, there’s always something to cheer for. The stats, records, and memorable moments all contribute to the rich tapestry of this rivalry. As the teams prepare for their next showdown, one thing’s certain: football fans are in for a treat. So, keep an eye on the fixtures, grab your favorite jersey, and get ready to enjoy another chapter in this exciting saga. Football’s magic lies in these moments, and Udinese vs. Milan promises plenty of them.