Cagliari vs Udinese preview - Cuadrado targets Europe

Posted Sunday, March 13, 2011 by PA

Udinese are setting their sights firmly on a place in Europe next season ahead of the trip to Cagliari.

With 10 games of the Serie A campaign remaining, the Friuli outfit travel to Sardinia on Sunday riding an 11-match unbeaten streak.

Up to now, Udinese have remained cautious about their chances of returning to the international stage next season, but last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Bari appears to have convinced them that it can be achieved.

"We are a great team," said Udinese defender Juan Cuadrado. "We will do everything possible to defend our current position and qualify for Europe.

"Destiny is in our hands. We have to continue to play with the same concentration and take it one game at a time. To finish the campaign in the top six would be a great result for us."

Udinese lie fifth and are four points clear of sixth-place Roma.

Moreover, they hold a nine-point advantage over European hopefuls Juventus, who are seventh.

Cagliari, meanwhile, took another step towards retaining their Serie A status in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Bologna.

A late goal from Bologna's Gaston Ramirez denied Cagliari all three points, but Cagliari coach Roberto Donadoni preferred to focus on the positives.

"This is actually my first draw since taking over the team so it's something new to me," said Donadoni. "But our next game against Udinese on Sunday is crucial.

"A positive result against them would guarantee us Serie A football next season."

Cagliari have collected 39 points in 28 games and the 40-point mark is widely regarded as sufficient to avoid the drop.

Donadoni's men have won four of their last five matches at the Sant' Elia.

The visitors welcome back Michele Canini from suspension, while midfielder Davide Biondini serves a one-match ban.