Inter Milan vs Udinese preview - Ranieri wary of Udinese threat

Inter Milan coach Claudio Ranieri believes his team must play a perfect game if they are to beat Udinese.

The Nerazzurri go into the encounter at the San Siro on the back of two straight wins, including last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Siena.

Substitute Luc Castaignos' last-gasp goal allowed Inter to climb to 12th in the standings, 10 points adrift of third-placed Udinese.

"Udinese is a competitor for those teams that are high up in the standings and we want to return to be among them," Ranieri said.

"It will be a beautiful game but an extremely difficult one.

"Udinese are among the best teams defensively and have a lethal counter-attack.

"We will have to be extremely careful and follow our tactical plan to perfection."

Udinese have the best defensive line in the competition with just six goals given away in 12 games.

Ranieri, whose side take on CSKA Moscow on Wednesday in the Champions League, expects to see an improved performance from his players with respect to their recent games.

"It's obvious that if we are to return to the top positions and compete against the best, we will have to make a notable change of pace," Ranieri said.

"But my team is growing and I'm confident."

Udinese have not won on the road since beating Lecce 2-0 in their league opener on September 11.

However, Francesco Guidolin's men go into the encounter inspired by last weekend's 2-0 triumph over Roma that lifted the team to third, just two points adrift of Serie A leaders Juventus.

Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale will return to the starting XI having been rested in Wednesday's goalless draw at Rennes in the Europa League.

The Italian forward is Udinese's top scorer with nine goals this season.

Ranieri is still without defender Maicon and striker Diego Forlan, both out injured.