Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin hailed his players after they qualified for the knockout round of the Europa League on Thursday night with a 1-1 draw against Celtic.

Udinese were drawn in what many regarded as the "Group of Death" after they were pitted alongside Celtic, La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid, and French Ligue 1 side Rennes, but managed to finish second in Group I after claiming nine points from their six matches.

Gary Hooper had given Celtic the lead after 29 minutes at Stadio Friuli, but Antonio Di Natale got the all-important equaliser just before the break, and Guidolin was understandly delighted after the match.

"We found ourselves in a very tough group, perhaps the toughest, and this has taken away a lot of energy," Guidolin told Mediaset. "But we wanted to go through.

"This was a game where the little details would be decisive.

"In the first half we suffered somewhat, but in the second half we were sublime."

Udinese will now hope Friday's last-32 draw will be kind to them, although Guidolin is fearing the worst, considering his recent record.

"We drew Arsenal in the Champions League [qualifiers] and then [drew] this group, so we're sure to land one of the two Manchester sides [City or United]."

Udinese are next in action on Sunday when they take on high-flying Lazio.