Udinese vs Parma preview - Denis targets top-four finish

Udinese are looking to win for the second consecutive week to boost their Champions League prospects when they host Parma.

The Friuli outfit bounced back from defeats to Lecce and Roma with last weekend's 2-1 triumph at Napoli.

The result lifted Francesco Guidolin's side to fifth in the standings, just one point behind Lazio, who are fourth and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Lazio visit Inter Milan on Saturday.

"Our aim is to finish in the top four," said Udinese striker German Denis. "In order to achieve this, we need to be aware of our strength.

"We played a very good game in Naples but we know that from here until the end of the season we have five finals and we will have to give our all in every match."

Udinese have lost just three times this season at the Friuli stadium but take on Parma having to do without several key players.

Defender Maurizio Domizzi will serve his first of a three-match ban this weekend while Emanuele Belardi will replace suspended Samir Handanovic in Udinese's goal.

To complicate matters for Guidolin, Antonio Di Natale, who is Serie A's leading scorer with 26 goals, is doubtful with a knee injury.

Parma, meanwhile, travel to Udine invigorated by last weekend's 2-0 triumph over Inter.

The outcome was Parma's first victory since January 22 and moved the Ducale club three places and three points clear of the bottom three.

The win was coach Franco Colomba's first since replacing Pasquale Marino at the helm earlier this month.

"My players handed a great performance against Inter," said Colomba. "The city, the club, the players and I needed a big win like this one.

"These are three golden points in our battle to avoid the drop.

"I hope my players can pick up where they left off against Inter in Udine."