Fiorentina - Sampdoria
Fiorentina can consolidate their qualification for next season’s Champions League with a win against Samp but the Blucerchiati, who are only four points behind the Viola, have their own European ambitions.
Cesare Prandelli’s side have won their last six at home and are unbeaten at the Artemio Franchi since February. Sebastien Frey hasn’t conceded in 270 minutes in front of the Curva Fiesole giving the Viola real confidence to go on and play their football.
But that may be about to change. With the season almost over Fiorentina’s transfer marketeers have been looking to reinforce the back five. Goalkeepers Marco Amelia and Diego Cavalieri have been mentioned, unsettling the invincible Frey. Tomas Ujfalusi is leaving on a Bosman and Manuel Pasqual’s first team position has a question mark over it, that question mark being Palermo’s Andrea Barzagli. How will Fiorentina’s defenders react knowing their place in the side is no longer guaranteed?
What’s more, the Gigliati have the small matter of a
UEFA Cup semi-final away to Rangers three days before Samp’s arrival in Florence. But it’s not all bad. In the same fixture last season Fiorentina beat Doria 5-1, thanks to Reginaldo’s brace – who’s now at Parma – Santana’s Latin American lick and a pair from the partnership of Pazzini and Mutu.
Unfortunately for Prandelli, Pazzini is suspended after picking up a booking in the Viola’s 1-0 success against Palermo. Luckily for Prandelli, Mutu will be in town hopefully to continue his impressive scoring record against the Ligurians. The Romanian has hit the net in each of the last three meetings between the two sides.
Sampdoria journey to Tuscany more than aware that their recent accomplishments have been the fruit of impressive home and not away form – only Catania, Cagliari and Reggina have lost on more occasions on their travels. Walter Mazzarri’s team will, however, take heart from their performance against the Gigliati in December which ended 2-2. Many regard that game to be the turning point in their season when, after a five minute crying fit, Antonio Cassano grew up and inspired his side, scoring the equaliser.
The Blucerchiati are practically at full strength, allowing Mazzarri to play his favourite 3-5-2 formation. Christian Maggio, one of this season’s revelations, will look to add width and supply both Cassano and Claudio Bellucci, the re-born 32-year-old striker who has scored 12 goals in 2007-08.
In many ways Fiorentina versus Sampdoria will be a personal duel between two of Serie A’s most exciting coaching talents.
Keep an eye on: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina) – Scouted and brought to Italy by Inter, only to be sold by the Nerazzurri back in 2000 when they were in the habit of letting über-talented players go, Mutu has been in outstanding form this term. While many backed Giampaolo Pazzini to step into Luca Toni’s rather roomy boots after Tonigol’s departure in the summer, it has been Mutu who has grasped the mantle, netting 16 times in 26 starts.
Last season: Fiorentina 5-1 Sampdoria
Form guide: Fiorentina (W L W L W) Sampdoria (D W W L W)
Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Jorgensen, Gamberini, Ujfalusi, Pasqual; Kuzmanovic, Montolivo, Donadel; Santana, Vieri, Mutu
Sampdoria (probable): Mirante; Campagnaro, Lucchini, Accardi; Maggio, Delvecchio, Palombo, D. Francheschini, Pieri; Bellucci, Cassano
Genoa - Empoli
Both Genoa and Empoli have everything to play for at Marassi this weekend. Come five o’clock on Sunday night the Grifone could, results permitting, find themselves closer to European qualification and city rivals Sampdoria. A victory for the Azzurri would potentially lift them out of the drop zone.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s team put another Tuscan side to the sword last weekend. Genoa beat Siena 1-0 thanks to a sniping shot from, arguably, the Rossoblu’s best player this season, Abdoulay Konko. The Frenchman’s first half strike marked a departure for Genoa. The Grifone have only scored 10 of their 44 goals before the interval. Genoa, until their victory at Siena, would be level on points with Empoli at the bottom of a table based on first half performances.
Nestled just three points behind high-flying Udinese, eighth placed Genoa have only been defeated once in their last five games, including a 1-1 draw at home to champions Inter. Underpinning that success was a three-man defence which hasn’t conceded in its last three fixtures. Two members of that trio, Cesare Bovo and Gaetano De Rosa, will be missing through suspension on Sunday.
With only one win in their last 10 matches, Empoli can still be quietly confident ahead of the trip to Liguria. The Tuscans have a good record against Genoa and haven’t been beaten by the Rossoblu in over six years. Coach Gigi Cagni’s problem is getting Empoli to score, the Azzurri have only netted 11 times in 17 games since Christmas. The Tuscans have struggled ever since they lost top scorer Nicola Pozzi to injury in mid-February.
To make matters worse for Empoli, the team will be missing its spine on Sunday. Defender Andrea Raggi, who has been a constant in the side all season, midfielder Claudio Marchisio and striker Luca Saudati are all suspended.
Keep an eye on: Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli) – Empoli’s survival rests on the diminutive shoulders of the 21-year-old trequartista. Nicknamed the ‘Atomic Ant’, Giovinco’s energy has carried the Tuscans this year, he has scored and laid on some wonderful goals, learning some valuable lessons along the way which will serve him well on his return to mother-club Juventus this summer.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Genoa (W W L W W) Empoli (L L W D L)
Genoa (probable): Rubinho; Konko, Lucarelli, Criscito; Rossi, Juric, Milanetto, Danilo; Sculli, Borriello, Leon
Empoli (probable): Balli; Rincon, Marzoratti, Piccolo, Tosto; Marianini, Budel, Busce, Antonini; Vannucchi, Giovinco
Inter - Cagliari
Inter can feel a third consecutive Scudetto in their grasp, but Cagliari are one of the form teams of the moment and eager to cause an upset.
Thanks to Roma’s stumble at home to Livorno last week, the Nerazzurri were able to extend their lead at the top of the table to six points. It was a crucial result, as was their own 1-0 victory away to a revitalised Torino. Both Dejan Stankovic and assistant boss Sinisa Mihajlovic admitted the team played “very badly,” but that’s just the kind of result you need to win League titles.
A victory here means they could mathematically seal the Scudetto with a win in the Milan derby on May 4. With that in mind, Roberto Mancini may like to rest some of his many stars on the verge of suspension – Mario Balotelli, Esteban Cambiasso, Luis Jimenez, Douglas Maicon, Julio Cesar, Nicolas Burdisso and Stankovic. Patrick Vieira returns from a ban, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to sit out with long-term injury casualties Olivier Dacourt, Walter Samuel, Ivan Cordoba and Luis Figo.
Cagliari are in even worse condition, as they will be missing a trio of players stopped by the Disciplinary Commission. Michele Fini scored a great goal in the 2-0 win over Empoli only to foolishly receive a second booking for taking his shirt off to celebrate. Pasquale Foggia and Francesco Pisano are also banned, while key midfielder Andrea Parola has a thigh injury. Christian Del Grosso is set to step in.
Much of the Sardinians’ incredible comeback from the depths of the standings is down to the form of Robert Acquafresca, as the Under-21 international has scored seven goals in the last nine games. His partner has been less stable, but between the desperately disappointing Joaquin Larrivey, former Rimini man Jeda and surprise Alessandro Matri, the Brazilian is the favourite to start.
It doesn’t bode well for Cagliari, who have lost every visit here since a 2-2 draw in November 1996. However, last season it ended with a slender 1-0 result decided by Burdisso and their current form means just about anything could happen.
Keep an eye on: Robert Acquafresca (Cagliari) – If the Sardinians are to cause an upset at San Siro, it is bound to come from the Under-21 international who has been courted for Euro 2008 by the Polish side.
Last season: Inter 1-0 Cagliari
Form guide: Inter (L D W W W) Cagliari (D D L W W)
Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maicon, Materazzi, Chivu, Maxwell; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Vieira, Stankovic; Balotelli, Cruz
Cagliari (probable): Storari; Ferri, Lopez, Bianco, Agostini; Del Grosso, Biondini, Conti; Cossu; Jeda, Acquafresca
Juventus - Lazio
Roma’s stumble means second place is within reach for Juventus and they hope to take advantage of a dismal spell for a Lazio side decimated by bans.
Claudio Ranieri’s men are on a roll and now just five points behind the Giallorossi with four games to play. It would be quite a feat to catch them in that time, but with the Scudetto out of Roma’s grasp and Francesco Totti out for the next four months, a late collapse is not out of the question. Second would send Juve straight into the Champions League without having to go through the preliminary round and guarantee more cash for the summer transfer kitty.
Lazio were in that competition last season, but a year on are struggling just to stay mid-table. The morale-boosting 3-2 result against Roma on March 19 was their last win, followed by three draws and two defeats to Fiorentina and Catania. Last week’s loss in Sicily was particularly damaging, as it cost Ousmane Dabo a two-match ban, plus suspensions for Luciano Zauri and Cristian Ledesma. Valon Behrami is an injury doubt with a continuing thigh problem and Rolando Bianchi still not 100 per cent fit, so we should see Gaby Mudingayi, Roberto Baronio and Aleksandr Kolarov in the starting XI.
Juventus are missing Vincenzo Iaquinta, Alessandro Birindelli and long-term absentee Jorge Andrade, but can count on Momo Sissoko and Giorgio Chiellini again after their lay-off in the 4-0 demolition of Atalanta. That trip to Bergamo not only cemented Alessandro Del Piero’s candidacy for a Euro 2008 spot, it also put him within two goals of Capocannoniere Marco Borriello. Between the two is his Juve teammate David Trezeguet, so two of the top three scorers in Serie A this season wear the Bianconeri jersey.
This is a special game for former Lazio men Pavel Nedved and Guglielmo Stendardo. The defender only left Rome in January following a blazing row with Coach Delio Rossi, although this week he tended a hand to the tactician and said he is open to a return.
Lazio’s overall record in Turin is very poor with just eight wins and 16 draws in 63 Serie A visits. That includes four different 6-1 losses, the latest in 1994, but times have changed recently and their last meeting in April 2006 ended in a 1-1 draw. The Biancocelesti also conquered Juve 2-1 in December 2002 with Stefano Fiore’s brace.
Keep an eye on: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus) – What more can be said of Alex? He is the form player in the entire League at the moment and his hat-trick against Atalanta only confirmed what we already knew.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Juventus (W L W W W) Lazio (L D D D L)
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Sissoko, Zanetti, Nedved; Trezeguet, Del Piero
Lazio (probable): Ballotta; De Silvestri, Siviglia, Cribari, Kolarov; Mudingayi, Baronio, Mutarelli; Mauri; Pandev, Rocchi
Livorno - Milan
Milan travel to the Stadio Picchi for a must-win encounter against a Livorno side battling to avoid relegation to Serie B.
It’s been a tough campaign for the Rossoneri, as they have failed to do themselves justice in the Champions League or Serie A and are currently trailing fourth-place Fiorentina by four points in the fight to earn a qualifying berth for next season’s European Cup. Reports continue to link the San Siro outfit with Barcelona ace Ronaldinho, but would the Brazilian settle for a season in the
UEFA Cup? Carlo Ancelotti and Co will be hoping that they don’t need to find out the answer.
Thankfully, one Samba Boy seems to be back on form in red and black. After a season in which he was the best player in Europe, Kaka has struggled to live up to that reputation for much of the campaign. However, against Reggina last weekend he was the star of the show and ended up with the match ball after netting hat-trick.
But while the Gift from God is firing once more, it looks likely that compatriot Alexandre Pato won’t be able to take his place in the starting XI again. Although he was able to come off the bench to net against the Amaranto, a mysterious muscular injury continues to plague the youngster and Pippo Inzaghi will lead the line. In other team news, Daniele Bonera and Massimo Ambrosini are both available for selection after serving bans – expect the latter to return in place of Cristian Brocchi.
It wasn’t long ago that Livorno looked like they would comfortably avoid the drop, but a combination of poor results – particularly at home – and the resurgence of sides like Cagliari and Siena has seen the Tuscan minnows drop into the relegation zone. They would be bottom of the table but for Alessandro Diamanti’s wonderful goal against Scudetto chasing Roma to earn Giancarlo Camolese’s men an unlikely point in the Italian capital. It’s a strike which is likely to earn the former Prato player a starting berth at the expense of Martin Bergvold.
As if Livorno’s dire home form this term wasn’t bad enough, the Amaranto also have a terrible record against the Rossoneri since being promoted to the top flight back in 2004. Their only victory in that time came in January 2005 courtesy of a Corrado Colombo goal. Milan, on the other hand, have emerged with all the points on three occasions, including a 3-0 at the Stadio Picchi in December 2005. However, this game brings back bad memories for the Diavolo, as earlier this term Ronaldo suffered a horrific knee injury which will keep him out of action until 2009.
Keep an eye on: Kaka (Milan) – The Brazilian was back to his best against Reggina and he will need to continue that way against Livorno if Milan are to stand any chance of catching Fiorentina.
Last season: Livorno 0-0 Milan
Form guide: Livorno (L D L L D) Milan (W L W L W)
Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Knezevic, Melara, Galante; Pulzetti, De Vezze, A Filippini, Pasquale; Diamanti; Tavano
Milan (probable): Kalac; Cafu, Nesta, Kaladze, Favalli; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kaka, Seedorf; Inzaghi
Napoli - Siena
There will seemingly be nothing but pride at stake when Siena travel south to take on Napoli. The Tuscan outfit look to be clear of the relegation mire, while the boys from Naples are likely to come up short in their bid to bring
UEFA Cup football back to the Stadio San Paolo.
The Azzurri won Europe’s second competition back in 1989, but they won’t be too disappointed about missing out on a return to continental action after an excellent campaign back in Serie A. It wasn’t long ago that the two-time Scudetto winners were toiling away in the third tier of Italian football and this season has gone better than most fans could have imagined even in their wildest dreams. There has been the odd wobble, but generally the results have been impressive enough and the supporters have a new hero in the form of Argentine ace Ezequiel Lavezzi.
El Pocho is the club’s joint top scorer this term and is one of the Division’s most exciting talents. With Marcelo Zalayeta out for the season, there is a battle between Roberto Sosa and Emanuele Calaio to partner him – the former looks set to get the nod. The bad tempered clash with Parma has had repercussions for Coach Edy Reja though, as he is forced to do without the suspended Walter Gargano and Manuele Blasi. Giorgy Garics and Sam Dalla Bona could be called into action to deputise.
Siena Coach Mario Beretta has a few selection headaches of his own, but he won’t be too bothered after leading the Bianconeri to the brink of top-flight survival. The club looked a complete shambles under the tutelage of Andrea Mandorlini before his dismissal in November, but since then Beretta has fired the Tuscans up the table. The highlight, of course, was the 3-0 thrashing of Scudetto chasing Roma back in Week 21.
However, such results have been few and far between of late, with Siena’s last win coming a month ago against struggling Parma. A streak of three straight draws was then brought to an end after a 1-0 defeat against a Genoa side who played over an hour with 10 men. It was just their second defeat in their last 12 games, but if the worst should happen and the Robur are relegated then they will look back on that loss as the defining moment of the season. It won’t be the same group of players given an opportunity to make amends though, as Beretta recalls Daniele Portanova to the team after suspension, while Daniele Galloppa and Tomas Locatelli could also return.
The only previous meeting between the sides in Serie A came earlier this term, as two goals in as many minutes saw the match at the Stadio Franchi finish 1-1. Siena got the better of their Cadetti clashes earlier this decade, winning three out of four and then adding a Coppa Italia victory to the mix.
Keep an eye on: Marek Hamsik (Napoli) – Although his club might have little else to play for, the Slovakian will want to continue his fine campaign amidst interest from Juventus.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Napoli (D W L W W) Siena (W D D D L)
Napoli (probable): Iezzo; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Domizzi; Mannini, Garics, Dalla Bona, Hamsik, Savini; Sosa, Lavezzi
Siena (probable): Manninger; Ficagna, Portanova, Loria, Rossi; Vergassola, Codrea, Galloppa; Locatelli; Maccarone, Rigano'
Palermo - Atalanta
Palermo and Atalanta will face no real pressure as they meet at the Stadio Barbera in Week 35. With nothing to play for, we could be in for a cracker!
It will be an interesting encounter for Stefano Colantuono, who controversially left Atalanta last summer, and Luigi Del Neri, who had a short spell in charge at Palermo. Last year’s tie ended 3-2 in favour of the visitors which bodes well for Sunday afternoon neutrals.
President Maurizio Zamparini wants goals galore in order to cheer up his disappointed fans, although the Rosanero will be missing their top scorer – and confirmed Juventus target – Amauri.
The Sicilians travelled to Tuscany last weekend and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina, but Colantuono was happy with the display. “We deserved a draw and played a great second half despite being reduced to 10 men,” he said. “Federico Balzaretti was injured and Fabrizio Miccoli wasn’t 100 per cent fit either but still we managed to do well.” The Rosanero sit 10th in the table with 42 points and their
UEFA Cup hopes are now over.
Atalanta are hoping to end their negative run of results after three straight losses. The Bergamaschi were hammered 4-0 by Juventus at the weekend. Del Neri was not too downhearted following their home defeat though. “Juventus scored early and that made it really difficult for us,” he noted. “We need to be focused and more careful when we play against these kind of teams. You cannot afford to give away anything.” The Nerazzurri are 11th in the table, just one point behind Palermo.
In addition to Amauri, who is suspended, the Rosanero will be missing Mark Bresciano and Leandro Rinaudo for the same reason. Alberto Fontana, Edison Cavani, Giuseppe Biava, Ciro Capuano and Fabio Simplicio are all out injured. This means that Colantuono will have to opt for a reshuffle. Federico Agliardi should take the gloves while Cristian Zaccardo could start in defence. Up front midfielder Bosko Jankovic will be asked to play as a striker next to Fabrizio Miccoli.
Atalanta will be without injured Moris Carrozzieri and Leonardo Talamonti. Antonio Langella is suspended and Simone Padoin should replace him. Max Pellegrino could lead the back line while the good news for the Orobici is the return of star man Cristiano Doni who has served a two-tie ban and is now ready to inspire his teammates.
Keep an eye on: Fabrizio Miccoli (Palermo) – The Rosanero striker underachieved in his first season at the Barbera. The Lecce native will be looking to add to his tally of seven goals.
Last season: Palermo 2-3 Atalanta
Form guide: Palermo (L L W W L) Atalanta (D W L L L)
Palermo (probable): Agliardi; Cassani, Zaccardo, Barzagli, Balzaretti; Tedesco, Guana, Migliaccio, Caserta; Jankovic, Miccoli
Atalanta (probable): Coppola; Rivalta, Pellegrino, Manfredini, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Tissone, Guarente, Padoin; Paolucci; Floccari
Reggina - Parma
Reggina welcome Parma to the Stadio Granillo knowing that they have no option but to win in this tense and potentially unpredictable relegation six-pointer. Both teams will be desperate for the three points and a draw will suit neither.
The Calabresi are bottom of the table with 30 points and have one foot in Serie B already. They share that position with Empoli and Livorno. The Amaranto have collected four points from the last five games and failing to win this clash will most likely result in relegation.
A win will be even more crucial after their 5-1 loss at Milan last Sunday. “We have to win this so that we can face Catania in the following game with less pressure,” claimed Coach Nevio Orlandi. The Granillo should be sold out since the board has slashed prices for fans – it will cost them just £7 to watch their next two home games against Parma and Empoli.
Meanwhile, Parma have been struggling themselves. The Emiliani have collected two points from the last five games and their poor run may get them relegated. Hector Cuper’s arrival was meant to turn things around but it hasn’t worked so far. The Crociati are one position ahead of the relegation zone, separated by a one-point gap.
Last weekend’s home defeat against Napoli has made them realise that they could be playing Serie B football next season. “We have to keep the group united,” said Cuper. “Six points in the next four games is all we need, we are not dead yet.”
Reggina won’t have any players suspended for this tie, but the same cannot be said about Parma as they have five men unavailable – Fernando Couto, Andrea Gasbarroni, Giulio Falcone, Paolo Castellini and Maringa. President Tommaso Ghirardi has pointed the finger of blame towards referees.
The Amaranto are hoping Paraguayan midfielder Edgar Barreto, who scored their only goal at San Siro on Sunday, will be able to recover from injury. If not Luca Tognozzi should step in. Franco Brienza and Ciccio Cozza will play behind lone striker Nicola Amoruso.
Cuper will line up a 4-3-1-2 formation. Youngster Luca Antonelli, who has played only five games this term, will be covering the left. Tireless midfielder Daniele Dessena could be playing as a trequartista behind Reginaldo and Cristiano Lucarelli.
Keep an eye on: Nicola Amoruso (Reggina) – The former Juventus striker scored two against Parma last season and will be looking to repeat his sensational performance in order to save the Amaranto from relegation.
Last season: Reggina 3-2 Parma
Form guide: Reggina (D L L W L) Parma (L D D L L)
Reggina (probable): Campagnolo; Cirillo, Valdez, Aronica; Vigiani, Barreto, Cascione, Modesto; Cozza, Brienza; Amoruso
Parma (probable): Bucci; Zenoni, Paci, M.Rossi, Antonelli; Morrone, Cigarini, Parravicini; Dessena; Reginaldo, C.Lucarelli
Roma - Torino
Roma and Torino will both be desperate for points when they meet in the capital. While the home side will be trying to catch Inter at the top of the table once again, the visitors from Turin are warily looking over their shoulder at the relegation battle.
The Giallorossi have dropped a further two points off top spot following last week’s disappointing draw with bottom-of-the-League Livorno. After so much hard work to close the gap with Inter, that slip will be a bitter blow that Luciano Spalletti’s team will be eager to erase with three points in front of their home fans. But with just four games left time is running out if they are going to wipe out a six-point margin.
Arguably the biggest blow from the Lupi’s Week 34 result could be the injury to captain Francesco Totti. They have struggled in his absence already this season and will have to make do without their talisman for the rest of their campaign after he suffered knee ligament damage last Saturday. Luckily for Spalletti their only other absences are injured fringe players Matteo Ferrari and Adrian Pit. There could be a couple of surprise selections though, as Cicinho and Mauro Esposito may edge ahead of Christian Panucci and Amantino Mancini for a place in the starting XI.
The Granata on the other hand have received a big boost on the injury front. First-choice goalkeeper Matteo Sereni will be back between the posts after missing their last two matches while Simone Barone should be back in the centre after the same period out. However, they are still without captain Gianluca Comotto and fellow defenders Cesare Natali and Ivan Franceschini through injury, plus midfielders Davide Bottone and Eugenio Corini are suspended.
In a bid to reinforce those weakened areas Coach Gianni De Biasi looks set to field Roberto Stellone as a lone-striker, although Alessandro Rosina should support him from midfield. De Biasi won’t welcome this encounter with one of Serie A’s front-runners after already facing Inter in his first game back in charge of Toro since being reinstated on the bench last week. With only four points between Torino and the relegation zone they can’t afford to be daunted by their opponents, but can draw confidence from their performance against the Nerazzurri despite the 1-0 defeat.
Keep an eye on: Mirko Vucinic (Roma) – The Montenegrin striker has scored in his last three Serie A appearances, but how will he do without Francesco Totti beside him? Vucinic’s performance spearheading the Giallorossi attack could well decide this match.
Last season: Roma 0-1 Torino
Form guide: Roma (W D W W D) Torino (L W L L L)
Roma (probable): Doni; Cicinho, Mexes, Juan, Tonetto; Pizarro, De Rossi; Esposito, Perrotta, Taddei; Vucinic
Torino (probable): Sereni; Motta, Di Loreto, Dellafiore, Pisano; Diana, Grella, Barone, Lazetic; Rosina; Stellone
Udinese - Catania
Udinese and Catania are both running the risk of letting all their early hard work go to waste in the final stages of the season and will be eager to get back on form when they meet at the Stadio Friuli.
The Bianconeri in particular have spent much of the season putting some great performances and were well in the running to pick up fourth spot and a place in next season’s Champions League. However, a disappointing run that has seen them pick up just one point from their last three games allowed Milan and Sampdoria to overtake them and means they are now eight points behind Fiorentina in fourth and four away from a guaranteed spot in the
UEFA Cup.
Zebrette Coach Pasquale Marino will be denied the chance to face his former club from the bench after receiving a touchline ban. However, the tactician will probably be more concerned with the absences of Tomas Zapotocny through suspension and the injured Felipe. Long-term injury victims Christian Obodo and Gyan Asamoah are also both still out of action.
Catania will be without versatile Brazilian forward Inacio Pia and central defender Cristian Terlizzi through injury, but Coach Walter Zenga should have an otherwise fully-fit squad to chose from in his fourth match in charge of the Elefantini. He is expected to continue with the 4-4-2 formation that has yielded success in his first few weeks, with Juan Vargas continuing on the left wing while Giuseppe Mascara should be preferred over Marco Biagianti to partner Gionatha Spinesi in attack.
The Sicilian club has certainly seen an improvement since Zenga arrived in Week 32 to take his first top-flight job in his homeland. The former Italy goalkeeper has guided the Rossazzurri to wins in both of their home games against tough opposition in the form of Napoli and Lazio, without conceding a goal in either encounter. After their narrow 1-0 defeat to Palermo in the Sicily derby, their only away fixture under Zenga so far, their boss will be eager to pick up his first away points in Serie A.
Keep an eye on: Gionatha Spinesi (Catania) – After scoring just four times in his first 27 appearances this season, Spinesi has finally hit form and the back of the net after striking three times in four games.
Last season: Udinese 0-1 Catania
Form guide: Udinese (W W D L L) Catania (D L W L W)
Udinese (probable): Handanovic; Zapata, Coda, Lukovic; Mesto, D’Agostino, Inler, Dossena; Pepe, Quagliarella, Di Natale
Catania (probable): Polito; Sardo, Silvestre, Stovini, Sabato; Colucci, Edusei, Tedesco, Vargas; Mascara, Spinesi
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26-27 Apr: Italy
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