Thursday 9th February 2012
Udinese looking to peg back Milan
Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin expects a strong AC Milan despite the Rossoneri having to do without the team's leading scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic when the two sides meet on Saturday.
The Swedish striker was handed a three-match ban for violent conduct by the Italian league after being sent off for slapping Salvatore Aronica in an off-the-ball incident in last weekend's goalless result against Napoli.
"Ibrahimovic is a crucial player for Milan," Guidolin said.
"But I am convinced the team has many resources to draw upon. Milan are packed with talent, they are the Italian champions and in terms of quality, they have the best side in Serie A.
"I'm sure they can push through any absence."
Ibrahimovic has scored 15 league goals so far, one less than Serie A's top scorer Antonio Di Natale of Udinese.
Udinese, unbeaten at home this season, are third and three points behind second-placed Milan.
An Udinese defeat would see Lazio leapfrog them into third provided the Romans beat Cesena.
Last weekend's 4-0 defeat to Roma was Inter Milan's second loss in three games.
The Nerazzurri host bottom side Novara on Sunday knowing that anything but a win could see them fall further down in the standings.
Inter are fifth and one point clear of Roma, who visit Siena on Monday.
Palermo travel to Sardinia to face Cagliari on Saturday looking for their first win away from home this season.
The Sicilians have taken just four points out of a possible 33 on the road.
Napoli square off against Chievo at the San Paolo stadium looking for their first win since January 8.
Their poor run of form has seen the Naples outfit drop to seventh place.
Genoa will be without striker Alberto Gilardino for Sunday's game at Catania.
Gilardino sustained a muscular injury in last weekend's 3-2 triumph over Udinese - Genoa's third win in four games.
Lecce have lost just once in five games and are in 18th place, three points below safety.
The Salentini visit Atalanta on Sunday.
Two of Serie A's Sunday games have been called off by officials because of deteriorating weather conditions in Italy.
Juventus's match at Bologna and Fiorentina's trip to Parma have both been postponed.
Saturday's Serie A Results
Sunday's Serie A Fixtures
Parma vs Fiorentina - PP
Bologna vs Juventus - PP
Monday's Serie A Fixtures
Napoli vs Chievo
Siena vs Roma
Powered by Disqus
Join us on Facebook