Udinese vs Sampdoria preview - Eder believes Samp will recover

Sampdoria striker Eder is confident his team can overcome their current rough patch and qualify for Europe.

Samp are without a victory since March 22 and are in the midst of a six-match winless run heading into Sunday's match at Udinese.

The Blucerchiati lost 1-0 at Juventus last weekend, a result that allowed the Turin giants to clinch the Scudetto while dropping Samp to sixth place in Serie A.

Samp's top scorer Eder, who sustained a season-ending knee injury two weeks ago, told the Italian press: "We are not at our best as we were a few months ago.

"But other teams have gone through the same thing as we have and they have snapped out of it.

"The fact is that there are four games left and we are still in a Europa League qualifying position."

A top six-finish would guarantee Samp a chance to play in Europe next term.

But Samp, coached by Sinisa Mihajlovic, are far from being at full strength as they travel to the Stadio Friuli.

The Genoa outfit are without defenders Alessio Romagnoli and Lorenzo De Silvestri as well as midfielder Pedro Obiang - all three players are suspended.

Moreover, defender Fabrizio Cacciatore and striker Luka Djordjevic are doubtful due to injuries.

Luis Muriel and Samuel Eto'o will play up front with both players having failed to score in Samp's last two league games.

Udinese head into the encounter in buoyant mood.

Sunday's 1-0 triumph at Hellas Verona, Udinese's first win on the road since January 26, ensured the Friulian outfit will contest another campaign in Italy's top flight.

Udinese are now hoping to convince veteran captain Antonio Di Natale to postpone his retirement.

Di Natale, who scored his 206th Serie A goal at Hellas to hand his side three vital points, is considering hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

"Antonio is a great champion and I will not allow him to retire," said Udinese coach Andrea Stramaccioni. "I'm convinced he can continue to play at the highest level for at least another season."

Di Natale, 37, has scored 13 goals and set up seven more in 31 league appearances for Udinese and will lead his team's attack on Sunday.

The hosts will be without suspended midfielders Allan and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu this weekend.