Udinese Calcio vs. SS Lazio, battle for UEFA Champions League place – Serie A Preview
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Udinese-Calcio-c40789 losing grip towards the end
Udinese finished 15th last season in the Italian top flight and they were expected to struggle yet again this season. The Zebrette did little to prove their doubters wrong as the season started with a five-game winless streak. However, October
brought around a tide change and the Bianconeri stunned the Serie A teams and fans alike by breaking into the top four in the table.
The Zebrette, after haunting big names like Napoli, Inter Milan and AC Milan, have hit the dreaded poor patch in the final stretch of the campaign. Francesco Guidolin’s men have lost four of their last five Serie A games, slipping from fourth to sixth in
the Serie A table.
Hosting Lazio at home, Udinese would be desperate to return to winning ways. UEFA Champions League berth remains the priority and the game against SS Lazio holds the key to the little Zebra’s playing in Europe the next season.
SS Lazio holding onto Champions League berth
Last season’s failures have not hampered the Aquile charge this season as the Roman outfit stands fourth in the Serie A table. The Aquile have improved tremendously when compared to their 12th placed finish from last season.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 have launched a late push to overthrow the Aquile off their berth and stand level on points, though, they have played an extra game. With just three games
remaining in the season, the men in white and blue jerseys will be keen to hold on to the UCL spot and a win in the upcoming encounter would do their Champions League chances the world of good.
Visiting Stadio Friuli, Lazio would be hoping to pile further misery on an out-for-form Udinese side; winning the three points would be the preset objective. However, it might not be an easy job for the Eagles as Udinese have the capability to upset even
the best of defence, something they have done to many top teams in Serie A this season.
Teams News
Udinese Calcio
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maurizio-Domizzi-c24955 will watch the game from stands
as they are suspended for this tie.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Di-Natale-c6306 (26 goals, 7 assists) has been the key for the Zebrette the entire season and little will change in that regard.
SS Lazio
Lazio will be without http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stefano-Mauri-c34055 is suspended for the game.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sergio-Floccari-c33061 (8 goals) would be the key players for the Aquile.
Prediction
It will be a tough game for both outfits as they are evenly matched for this game. Udinese would make the most of their home advantage and edge out the visiting Lazio by a 2-1 score line.
Tags: