Udinese vs Palermo preview - Vitiello targets an end to away woe

Palermo defender Roberto Vitiello hopes the Sicilian outfit can improve its dismal form on the road starting on Sunday at Udinese.

The Islanders have not tasted victory away from home since November 2 when they won 2-0 at AC Milan.

Mired in a three-game losing streak following last weekend's 2-1 defeat at home to Milan, Palermo are in 11th place and feeling a sense of urgency to turn things around.

"We need to keep working hard in order to defend our Serie A status as soon as possible," Vitiello said to the Italian press. "We are disappointed not to have collected anything from our last three league games.

"But we must bounce back. Sunday's game at Udinese is important and we will give our all to clinch our second win on the road this season in Friuli."

Palermo, coached by Giuseppe Iachini, have picked up just two points in their last six league games.

Udinese are 13th in the standings and one point adrift of Palermo.

After falling victim to bottom-side Parma in midweek, the Friuli side vulnerable in their own stadium.

Udinese have not won in their last four games and coach Andrea Stramaccioni is desperate for a positive reaction from his players.

"Against Parma, we had the wrong approach to the game," he said. "My players underestimated Parma and we paid the price.

"We lacked determination and didn't take a shot on goal.

"Now we must turn the page immediately and show against Palermo the real Udinese."

Udinese have struggled to deliver at home and have mustered just one win in their last nine games at Friuli stadium.

The hosts must overcome the absence of defender Ivan Piris and midfielder Giampiero Pinzi, both serving a one-match ban.

Palermo are without midfielder Edgar Barreto, who is sidelined for three weeks with a muscular injury.

Argentinian forward Paulo Dybala, who is Palermo's top scorer with 13 goals, will lead the Rossaneri's attack on Sunday with Franco Vazquez playing in support.