Serie A preview: Udinese target Milan

9 February 2012 17:15

Udinese have a chance to close the gap on second-placed AC Milan in Serie A this week, while Inter Milan will be out to end their poor run.

Francesco Guidolin's Udinese, three points adrift of AC Milan, host Saturday's clash, when the visitors will be without star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The Sweden international was red-carded in his team's 0-0 draw at home to Napoli on Sunday, and handed a three-match ban AC Milan intend to appeal.

Ibrahimovic has netted 15 league goals this campaign, a tally bettered only by Udinese forward Antonio Di Natale (16).

Inconsistent Udinese have failed to win consecutive games this year, but they have the opportunity to take a step toward second by defeating Milan at Stadio Friuli.

Freezing temperatures across Italy have forced several Serie A games to be postponed in recent weeks, but all are scheduled to go ahead.

Elsewhere, Claudio Ranieri's Inter enter their clash against Novara on Sunday on the back of a four-match winless run in all competitions.

Inter had looked potential title challengers after recovering from their slow start to the campaign, but losses to Roma and Lecce have seen them fall nine points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Juventus travel to the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara to take on Bologna, and will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten league record, which has stretched to 21 matches.

Antonio Conte's men also took a step closer to booking a spot in the Coppa Italia final with a 2-1 win over AC Milan in the first leg of their semi-final on Wednesday.

Lazio could briefly move third if they beat Cesena on Thursday.

That fixture has been moved forward because of the Six Nations rugby clash between Italy and England, which is to be played in Rome on Saturday.

In other matches, Parma welcome Fiorentina to the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Sunday, Palermo face Cagliari, and Roma host struggling Siena.

Catania sit 14th despite heading into their clash against Genoa on the back of a five-game winless league run, while Napoli host Chievo.

Elsewhere, Lecce are three points from safety ahead of their trip to Atalanta.