Udinese vs Torino preview - Granata keen to keep run going

Posted Saturday, December 14, 2013 by PA

High-flying Torino are looking to maintain their current impressive form when they travel to the Friuli stadium to face Udinese on Sunday.

The Granata go into the match inspired by a good run which has seen them lose just two of their last nine games to creep up to seventh place in Serie A.

Last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Lazio was a big morale boost for Toro as for the second time this season they kept a clean sheet.

"I am extremely happy with this victory because this result is down to the work of the whole team," Torino coach Giampiero Ventura said."I have to congratulate my players because they showed a lot of focus and order in defence.

"Our strength is the unity of the group.

"We cannot concentrate too much on our current position in the standings, even though I would love for the tournament to end today.

"We have to keep working hard and try to end the year in the best possible way."

Torino have given away just two goals in the last three league games and take on an Udinese side that has been inconsistent so far this season.

Udinese have mustered just one win in their last five league games and are 14th in the standings, three points clear of the relegation zone.

Bianconero coach Francesco Guidolin was delighted his side held Napoli to a 3-3 draw at the San Paolo stadium last weekend.

"My players have realised that every point is precious in Serie A," Guidolin said. "We cannot forget that this season we are fighting to avoid the drop and not to qualify for Europe."

Udinese will be without defender Maurizio Domizzi, who serves a one-match ban, and injured striker Luis Muriel.

However, the hosts will be bolstered by the return of captain Antonio Di Natale, who missed last weekend's match with a thigh problem.

Di Natale is Udinese's top scorer with four goals netted this season.