Cesena vs Udinese preview - Udinese hunt down third

Udinese go into their clash at rock-bottom Cesena confident they can claim the precious third place in Serie A by the end of the season.

The Friuli outfit is fifth but level on 55 points with fellow European contenders Napoli, Inter Milan and Lazio.

Napoli currently hold the last Champions League qualifying spot with three games remaining.

Udinese bounced back from their 3-1 loss to Inter Milan with a 2-0 triumph over Lazio on Sunday.

"After our setback against Inter, it was important for us to get back to winning ways and we did just that," Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin said.

"We know that we will have to battle with Napoli, Inter and Lazio in our last games for the last Champions League qualifying spot and we are ready for the task."

Udinese host strugglers Genoa on Sunday before ending the season at Catania on May 13.

"We just have to focus on our games and see where that takes us," Guidolin said. "For us the most important game is on Wednesday because it's our next encounter."

Udinese are hoping to recover captain Antonio Di Natale, who is doubtful with a muscular problem. Di Natale is Udinese's top scorer with 21 league goals so far.

Rivals Cesena have nothing to play for except pride.

The Cavallucci Marini are already doomed to Serie B football, 24 months after gaining promotion to Italy's top flight.

Last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Inter was Cesena's 21st loss of the campaign and left them at the foot of the standings, 14 points behind safety.

Mario Beretta's side has won only four times this season and has the worst attack in the league with only 22 goals in 35 games.

The hosts will be without defenders Gianluca Comotto and Maurizio Lauro as well as midfielders Giuseppe Colucci and Simone Del Nero, all out injured.