Bologna vs Udinese preview - Youngsters need help says Perez

Bologna midfielder Diego Perez has called on the old heads at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara to help out the younger players, starting against Udinese.

The Felsinei are languishing in 19th place in Serie A following a joyless run of four straight defeats, with an injured Perez left watching helplessly from the sidelines.

But the Uruguayan is fit again and ready to inspire the Rossoblu's starlets - including promising striker Manolo Gabbiadini - to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.

Perez told bolognafc.it: "It's not been easy being out of action this month, I've recovered by working hard for the whole period.

"I'm at the coach's disposal should he want me out on that pitch.

"The team has put in some good performances, but we haven't managed to bring many points home.

"The task for us is to lift the spirits of the youngsters, who have really felt the disappointment of our recent results.

"From now on, we need to look forward and think only about the next match.

"All we have to do is win once and our outlook will change, then we can go on winning."

Seasoned strikers Alberto Gilardino and Alessandro Diamanti will support Gabbiadini in an attacking trident, but Perez's mentoring scheme will not involve captain Daniele Portanova, who is suspended for the game.

Cesare Natali, 33, is also sidelined and head coach Stefano Pioli must cope without Robert Acquafresca, Roger Carvalho and Henry Gimenez.

Udinese have similar problems among their senior ranks, with talismanic striker Antonio Di Natale facing a late fitness test before being allowed to travel south.

The Zebrette are five points shy of the European places after making an inconsistent start to the season, with boss Francesco Guidolin continuing to blame a hectic schedule.

Following Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Catania, he told Gazzetta.it: "We've played a lot of games recently, so if my players fell a bit short I can't really criticise them.

"This will happen again and again, my players may train well and be in good condition but they are not made of iron."