Palermo vs Udinese preview - Zamparini on revenge mission

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini has urged his players to take revenge for their 7-0 humiliation by Udinese last season when the two teams meet again at La Favorita.

The Sicilians were put to the sword in front of their own fans 13 months ago by the Friuli outfit.

That result was all the more painful considering former Palermo coach Francesco Guidolin was in charge of Udinese, and he will return to his former club again.

"I still haven't digested last season's defeat to Udinese," Zamparini said. "I would like to and a win would certainly help me.

"The only thing I envy from Udinese is Guidolin.

"He was one of the best coaches I've had and he is a great tactician."

Unfortunately for Zamparini, Palermo are in the midst of a poor run of form.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw at Lecce dropped the Sicilians to 10th place in the Serie A table and Bortolo Mutti's side have picked up just one point in their last four games.

Palermo have found the back of the net just twice in their last four league games, but will be bolstered by the return of the team's top scorer Fabrizio Miccoli from suspension.

The Italian striker has scored 11 league goals this season.

Guidolin will have to watch this weekend's match from the Renzo Barbera stands as he serves a one-match touchline ban because of his complaints during last weekend's 2-2 against Napoli.

The Udinese boss felt hard done by by the refereeing in that game.

"We have to forget about the draw against Napoli and focus on getting three points at Palermo, which will be no easy task," Guidolin said.

Udinese have won just one of their last six games and last weekend's result left them in fifth place, level on 47 points with Napoli.

Udinese and Napoli are one point adrift of Lazio, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot with 10 games to go.

The visitors are without suspended striker Antonio Floro Flores.

Palermo welcome back defender Eros Pisano and midfielder Edgar Barretto.