AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has called for total concentration from the Rossoneri ahead of Friday's Serie A visit of Udinese.

Leonardo's side will be desperate to return to winning ways after claiming just two points from their last three matches.

Last weekend's goalless draw at Bologna dropped Milan to third in the standings, 11 points behind league leaders Inter Milan.

"Our only thought is to return to victory," said Thiago Silva. "We just have to think about doing the best for the team in order to help Milan climb up in the standings.

"But we know it will not be easy because Udinese is a strong side and we have yet to beat them this season."

Milan lost 1-0 at Udinese earlier in the campaign before being knocked out of the Coppa Italia by the Friuli outfit last month, going down 1-0 at the San Siro.

"We have lost two games against them," said Thiago Silva. "We hope this will not be the third.

"It's going to be an interesting game because Udinese arrive at the San Siro on the back of a convincing triumph over Napoli."

Udinese beat Napoli 3-1 last Sunday, courtesy of an Antonio Di Natale hat-trick, to claim their first win of the year.

Thiago Silva is well aware his side will have to keep a close eye on Di Natale, who leads the scoring charts in Italy's top flight with 16 goals.

"Di Natale is in great form," said the Brazilian. "We just have to hope that he doesn't produce a similar performance against us as he did in Udine last weekend."

A win tomorrow would see Milan regain second spot in the table as Leonardo's side head into the encounter two points behind Roma, who host Palermo on Saturday.

Udinese coach Gianni De Biasi will be hoping his side can display the same form that saw them stun high-flying Napoli when they make the journey to the San Siro.

The Bianconeri are the only Serie A team that have yet to win away in the league this season. They have claimed just four points of a possible 33 on their travels so far.

Their dismal form on the road is the main reason De Biasi's side find themselves in 15th position, just two points clear of the drop zone.

"Wins help the team to get confidence back," admitted Udinese midfielder Gokhan Inler. "Last weekend's triumph was very important to the team.

"We know we have to do better in our away games and we are going to Milan determined to bring home three points.

"It's going to be a different game with respect to the Coppa Italia and I believe it will be an important test for both sides."

The visitors welcome back Alexis Sanchez and Cristian Zapata from suspension but will be without Maurizio Domizzi, Damiano Ferronetti, Christian Obodo, Guilherme Siqueira and Jaime Romero, all out injured.

Milan coach Leonardo will be boosted by the return of defender Alessandro Nesta from injury, but forward Alexandre Pato and defender Massimo Oddo remain sidelined.