Udinese vs Lazio preview - Guidolin ready for "crucial" match

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin admits the clash with Lazio could make or break their Champions League ambitions.

Victory for the hosts would move them level on 55 points with Lazio, who hold the third and final Champions League qualifying spot.

Udinese failed in their bid to move above the Rome side when they crashed to a 3-1 defeat to Inter Milan last time out.

It was a missed opportunity for Udinese who, with Lazio dropping three points at Novara, would have moved up to third with four matches remaining.

As it is, Udinese go into this weekend's game at the Friuli Stadium in sixth place, level on 52 points with Inter and three behind Lazio.

Napoli are fourth, just one point adrift of Lazio, and visit Roma on Sunday.

"This is going to be a very tough game," Guidolin said. "We need to prepare every single detail of this match because it is crucial for both sides.

"Lazio deserve to be where they are in the standings, having enjoyed a great campaign.

"Like us, they have suffered a drop in form in recent weeks and will be very motivated to win on Sunday."

Udinese have taken just one win in their last nine games while Lazio have lost three of their last five encounters.

The Romans go into the clash at Udinese on the back of Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Novara.

Lazio will be without several key players, with defender Marius Stankevicius and midfielders Christian Brocchi and Hernanes sidelined for the rest of the season.

Moreover, defender Senad Lulic and striker Miroslav Klose are still sidelined through injury.

Udinese striker Antonio Floro Flores will miss Sunday's encounter through suspension.