Udinese vs Parma preview - Guidolin keen to stop the rot

Posted Saturday, April 07, 2012 by PA

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin admits his side desperately need to stop the rot when they host Parma if they are to secure European qualification.

The Friuli outfit have endured a miserable recent run that has seen it go five games without a win and drop to fifth place.

Last weekend's 1-0 loss at Siena left Udinese level on 48 points with Napoli and three points below Lazio, who hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Anything but a victory on Saturday could see Udinese fall out of the Europa League places, with in-form Roma just one point behind them in the standings.

Guidolin said: "We are having problems and we need to do much better in our remaining eight games.

"But we are not dead yet,

"We need to improve and try to find extra energy to remain in the race for Champions League football.

"I am sure we will have the strength to keep fighting."

Parma, meanwhile, eased their relegation fears with a 3-1 win against Lazio last time out.

The result was Parma's first victory since Febuary 5 and lifted the Ducale Club three places and seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Parma coach Roberto Donadoni has demanded a repeat performance from his players as they look to take another step towards Serie A safety this weekend.

"It was a great victory against anexcellent Lazio side," Donadoni said.

"We really needed a win and my players delivered.

"We know there are still games to go and even more points up for grabs, so we must do a lot more to ensure safety and not rest on our laurels.

"Let's not assume we've resolved all of our problems with this win."

Udinese welcome back defender Joel Ekstrand and striker Antonio Floro Flores from suspension.