Roma vs Udinese preview - Euro crisis for Roma

Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by PA

Roma's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League are hanging by a thread ahead of Udinese's visit.

Last weekend's 4-2 defeat at Lecce was a huge blow for the Giallorossi, leaving them seven points behind third-placed Lazio in the Serie A standings with seven games remaining.

Luis Enrique's men have collected just one win in their last three league encounters.

Their aim of playing in Europe's premier club competition next term looks to be fading away, with their bitter rivals above them in the standings along with Wednesday's opponents and also Napoli.

However, Luis Enrique has not given up hope just yet.

"Right now we are in sixth place," he said. "We have to play our final seven games at a high level, something which we have not done this year, and then we have a chance to finish third.

"We still have the enthusiasm and the will to finish third."

Luis Enrique is struggling to understand his team's lack of consistency.

"Each time we get close to third place, we produce a dismal performance," he said. "However, when we are further behind, we play well and this is difficult to comprehend.

"I understand the fans are disappointed but I can assure them that my players have never stopped working hard.

"It's not their fault but mine if the team hasn't played well.

"But I will only step down if the players no longer follow me."

Last weekend's 3-1 triumph over Parma was Udinese's first in six games and boosted their hopes of securing Champions League football next season.

Udinese, coached by Francesco Guidolin, lie one place and three points behind Lazio heading into the encounter at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

"We are still alive and that was evident in our victory over Parma," Guidolin said. "I have to congratulate my players because they are giving everything they have."

Udinese have won just once on the road this year while Roma have won four of their last five league games in the Eternal City.

Roma welcome back captain Francesco Totti from injury while striker Fabio Borini is doubtful with flu symptoms.

Andrea Coda will replace the injured Medhi Benatia at the heart of Udinese's defence.