Novara Calcio vs Udinese preview - Guidolin demands Udinese focus

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin knows his side must put all thought of next week's crunch Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar aside when they visit Novara.

The Friuli outfit host the Eredivisie club next Thursday needing to overturn a 2-0 deficit from the opening leg if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.

Sunday's match at the Silvio Piola stadium will be crucial with Udinese needing to keep up the pressure on Lazio, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Last weekend's goalless draw against Atalanta saw Udinese drop to fourth place, two points behind Lazio.

"We will try to turn around the tie on Thursday," Guidolin said. "Right now we are just focusing on Sunday's match.

"My players are really motivated for the game at Novara and this is a good sign.

"For us it is important to win but it is not going to be easy because Novara are in need of points."

Udinese's top scorer Antonio Di Natale will lead his team's attack this weekend.

Guidolin rested Di Natale on Thursday, a move that was not welcomed by the fans.

"When you leave your top scorer on the bench it's normal that you will be criticised," Guidolin said.

"I accept the criticisms but I stand by my decision."

Novara sacked Emiliano Mondonico following last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Bologna and re-appointed Attilio Tesser to the hot seat.

Tesser, who led the club to successive promotions, had been dismissed on January 30.

Novara go into the game on the back of two straight defeats and lie at the foot of the standings, 12 points from safety.

Tesser knows his side need to start picking up points and fast.

"We have a big challenge ahead and we have to pick ourselves up," he said.

"We are in a difficult situation but we will not give up hope until the end.

"From now on, each game for us is like a final."