Napoli vs Udinese preview - Reina expects tough test

Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina expects a very difficult game against Udinese on Saturday.

The Naples outfit goes into the encounter at the San Paolo stadium on the back of Monday's 4-2 triumph at Lazio.

The outcome allowed Napoli to bounce back from defeats to Juventus, Parma and Borussia Dortmund.

Napoli are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

"The game against Udinese is a very important game," Reina said. "We want to remain in the top positions of the standings and Saturday's game is a big test.

"We have three games at home, including Tuesday's Champions League match against Arsenal, but we are well aware that the most important one is the first one."

Napoli have to beat Arsenal by a 3-0 margin in their last Group F game in order to have any chance to progress to the Champions League knock-out round.

However, Reina insists his side will not be distracted by their midweek encounter when they take on Udinese.

"We are focused solely on Saturday's game," the Spaniard said. "We have already seen the strength of Udinese, that almost surprised Juventus last weekend.

"It's going to be a very difficult game and we must be ready."

Rivals Udinese travel to Naples eager to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat to Juve.

The Friuli outfit looked to be heading for a deserved point only to be denied at the death by a Fernando Llorente goal.

"We played a very good game at Juventus and we are disappointed not to have taken anything from it," Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin said. "But we have to continue on this path.

"The team is playing well and there is no reason why we cannot do well at Napoli."

Udinese, who are 13th in the standings, will have to show a vast improvement if they are to inflict Napoli's second Serie A loss at home this season.

Udinese have won just once and lost six of their seven games on the road this season.

Napoli coach Rafa Benitez will be without the services of defender Miguel Angel Britos, who serves a one-match ban.