Empoli at the Stadio Friuli on Saturday night with both teams needing a win to elevate themselves away from the relegation zone.
Another loss for either side will continue to pile on more unwanted pressure, which is the furthest thing both coaches desire, so early on in the campaign.
The Bianconeri remain winless since beating Juventus 1-0 on the opening day of the season, after losing its next two matches 1-0 and 2-0 against Palermo and Lazio respectively.
Meanwhile, Empoli who are yet to taste victory in the Serie A this term, would have gained confidence following its impressive 2-2 draw with Napoli. Riccardo Saponara and Manuel Pucciarelli netted the goals for Empoli, after the pair combined brilliantly in the encounter, despite being denied the three points courtesy of Allan’s second-half equaliser.
Udinese have dominated this fixture in recent times, triumphant on their previous three meetings dating back to the 2007/08 season. As for the visitors they have not conquered their opponents since March 2007, where a narrow 1-0 win was enough to secure the result.
In the corresponding fixture back in February, the Bianconeri prevailed in a 2-1 victory, thanks to goals from club icon Antonio Di Natale and Silvan Widmer, either side of a Saponara penalty.
In terms of team news, coach Colantuono will be without two of his players due to injury. Swiss full-back Widmer and Brazilian Guilherme will miss the clash, while Di Natale is expected to return to the starting XI for the Zebrette, following a brief cameo appearance the week before.
For Empoli, boss Marco Giampaolo could be without impact striker Levan Mchedlidze whose fitness is waiting to be evaluated. On-loan Juventus midfielder Marcel Buchel is unavailable and newly loaned Roma player Leandro Paredes may get the nod ahead of Polish winger Piotr Zielinski.
Form Guide: Udinese (W-L-L) Empoli (L-L-D)
Expected Staring XIs
Udinese: Karnezis; Danilo, Heurtaux, Piris; Adnan, Fernandes, Iturra, Kone, Edenilson; Di Natale, Thereau
Empoli: Skorupski; Zambelli, Tonelli, Barba, Mario Rui; El Hadji, Paredes, Croce; Pucciarelli, Saponara, Maccarone
