Udinese vs Lazio preview - Guidolin braced for tough challenge

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin admits the clash with Lazio could make or break their Champions League ambitions.

Victory for the hosts would move them ahead of their opponents, who hold the fourth and final Champions League qualifying spot.

Udinese failed in their bid to move above the Rome side when they crashed to a 5-2 defeat at Fiorentina last time out.

It was a missed opportunity for Udinese who, with Lazio dropping points against Juventus, would have moved up to fourth with three matches remaining.

As it is, Udinese go into this weekend's game at the Friuli Stadium level on points with Roma and one behind Lazio.

"This is going to be a very tough game," said Guidolin. "We need to prepare every single detail of this match because it is crucial for both sides.

"Lazio deserve to be where they are in the standings, having enjoyed a great campaign.

"They are in good form and have great players."

With Roma facing a more challenging run-in, with games against AC Milan, relegation-threatened Catania and Sampdoria to come, Udinese have reason to be optimistic, provided they beat Lazio.

"We have a better run-in than Roma," said Guidolin, whose side visit Chievo before hosting Milan in their last game.

"But we cannot forget in Serie A no team gives you something for free.

"Lazio and Roma are very much in the race just as we are.

"That is why I ask my team to give all they have left in our remaining three games."

Lazio go into the clash at Udinese on the back of a 1-0 loss to Juventus that ended their four-match winning run at the Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio will be without midfielder pair Cristian Ledesma and Stefano Mauri, both suspended.

The hosts will be without four key players, with Gokhan Inler and Maurizio Domizzi suspended and Alexis Sanchez and Andrea Coda unavailable through injury.