Udinese vs AC Milan preview - Pinzi eyes Champions League spot
Posted Sunday, May 22, 2011 by PA
Udinese midfielder Giampiero Pinzi is confident the Bianconeri can clinch Champions League qualification when they conclude their Serie A season against Scudetto winners AC Milan.
The Friuli outfit moved two points clear of Lazio with a 2-0 win at Chievo in the penultimate round and Francesco Guidolin's men know that anything other a defeat this weekend will ensure they finish fourth.
Should Lazio - who visit Lecce - finish level on points the Bianconeri would qualify as they have a better head-to-head against the Romans.
"We are awaiting this game with great expectations," Pinzi said. "For many of us this is the biggest game of our careers.
"We cannot fail and it will be a fascinating game.
"Milan are a strong side.
"They will want to end the season well and I am not expecting any favours.
"But we will do our utmost against AC Milan, just as I'm sure Lazio will at Lecce on Sunday.
"The Champions League has always been an objective and we hope we can celebrate this weekend."
Milan, who celebrated the Serie A title in style with a 4-1 humbling of Cagliari at the San Siro last weekend, have lost just twice on the road this season.
They go into the encounter at a packed Stadio Friuli on a seven-match unbeaten run.
Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri has stressed his side will not be giving anything away and expects a good match.
"We will play our game without feeling the need to do anyone any favours," he said.
"Udinese will have great motivation as they are looking to finish the campaign in fourth place but we are not going to Udinese just for a stroll.
"I get angry when we lose a game and we will try to hand a good performance to give continuity to our results."
Guidolin will have all of his players available with the exception of injured defender Andrea Coda.
Serie A's top scorer Antonio Di Natale will lead Udinese's attack alongside Alexis Sanchez.
Di Natale has scored 28 goals - two more than Napoli's Edinson Cavani.
The game will mark Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo's last appearance for Milan.
The 32-year-old announced this week he will leave the club this summer.
"After 10 unforgettable years I want to thank the club and the fans for their affection," said Pirlo, who is set to join Juventus.
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