Serie A, Week 16: Juventus And Udinese Play Scoreless Draw, Inter Milan And Napoli Win Big

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Sigh. This match between Juventus and Udinese had so much potential. It started off well, with Juventus pouring forward, and Udinese being Udinese, hitting quickly on the counter. Through the entire first half, there were plenty of chances, plenty of pace, plenty of fun. Then came the second half and...nothing. Both sides seemed more intent on preserving a draw than playing for all three points, dropping the fun factor down to about -10.

And so it ended in exactly the most predictable of fashions: no goals, split points, and observers everywhere yawning and discussing the boring, boring Serie A. The caution of the second half means that AC Milan go into the winter break on top of the table, Juventus a point behind. Udinese are in third for now, but if Lazio beat Chievo Verona later in the day, the zebrette could find themselves down in fourth.

Well, this is it. The big one. The match to hang your Christmas stocking upon. Undefeated Juventus take on Udinese at the Friuli, where the home side have yet to lose. Who’s going to give in? A draw keeps AC Milan up top going into the winter break. A win puts Juve there. If Udinese thoroughly dominate, they’ve got the chance to start 2012 in pole position.

Udinese Bench: Daniele Padelli, Neuton, Thierry Doubai, Roberto Pereyra, Giovanni Pasquale, Diego Fabbrini, Antonio Floro Flores

Game Date/Time: Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local

Venue: Stadio San Paolo, Naples, Italy

The visit of Juventus to the Stadio Friuli, where they take on Udinese, is undoubtedly the most exciting match of Week 16 in Serie A. Something’s got to give: Juventus remain unbeaten, while Udinese have a 100 percent home record, having won all seven of their matches in Udine this season. They’ve also conceded just two goals at the Friuli, reaffirming Francesco Guidolin’s transition from fluid, attacking play toward a solid, defensive unit. If ever you’re wondering how Udinese can survive, and even prosper, while consistently selling their best players, look at their manager, who is able to adapt his style to that of his players, rather than force the players to adapt to his.

What’s the point? What’s the point, I ask, of previewing the midweek action in Serie A? Don’t we already know what will occur? We might as well just lie back, sipping eggnog and stuffing our faces with Christmas cookies, not expending one ounce of energy wondering about the outcome of Week 17.