Udinese vs Novara Calcio preview - Guidolin geared up for Novara

Posted Sunday, October 23, 2011 by PA

Udinese will be looking to maintain momentum when they host Novara on Sunday following their 2-0 Europa League win over Atletico Madrid.

The men from Friuli go into this weekend's encounter in high spirits after late goals from Mehdi Benatia and Antonio Floro Flores stunned Atletico on Thursday and moved Udinese to the top of Group I.

"It's an important result in view of progressing to the next round of the competition," Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin said.

"We played a good second half against a very strong team and I'm delighted with the victory.

"Now we must turn our attention to Sunday's game."

Udinese could take sole possession of first place with a victory over Novara, provided Juventus slip up against Genoa.

Juventus and Udinese are unbeaten and are level on 12 points after six games.

Guidolin's men will fancy their chances for they have taken maximum points at the Stadio Friuli this season.

Novara coach Attilio Tesser hopes his team have learned from their mistakes heading into the match.

The promoted outfit lost 2-0 to Bologna last time out to drop to 16th in the standings.

Tesser has reason to be concerned for his team have won just once this season while they have given away seven goals in the last three league games.

"We have to show more focus and try to limit our mistakes," Tesser said. "Udinese are playing good football and they will punish us if we don't play at our best."

Captain Antonio Di Natale will return to the Udinese starting XI after resting in midweek.