Palermo vs Udinese preview - Inler pushing for top six

Posted Sunday, February 27, 2011 by PA

Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler insists the game at Palermo is not decisive in the race for a top-six finish in Serie A.

The Friuli outfit travel to La Favorita ridding a nine-match unbeaten run.

Last weekend's goalless draw against Brescia kept Francesco Guidolin's Udinese in fifth place, three places and four points clear of European hopefuls Palermo.

"There are so many games left to play and we are just focusing on taking it one game at a time," said Inler. "I don't believe this game is crucial for the battle to finish in the European qualifying spots.

"We know it's going to be an open game and that we will face a side that always does well when playing at home."

Palermo have lost their last two league games, including last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Bologna.

However, Delio Rossi's men have won seven of their last eight home games and Inler knows his team is in for a battle in Sicily.

"We will have to press from the start because we cannot allow Palermo to gain confidence," he said. "I thought Palermo played very well against Fiorentina and despite their defeat against Bologna, they showed they have plenty of talented players."

The Friuli outfit will be bolstered by the return of influential winger Alexis Sanchez from suspension.

Palermo, meanwhile, will have to overcome the absence of pivotal striker Fabrizio Miccoli.

Miccoli, who has scored seven goals in 15 appearances for the Sicilians this season, sustained a foot injury at the weekend and will be sidelined for 15 days.

"Miccoli is a player that can make the difference in a game," said Inler. "But I don't think his absence will hinder Palermo."

Rossi, who will also have to do without suspended defender Santiago Garcia, is set field Josip Ilicic and Javier Pastore in support of lone striker Abel Hernandez.