Udinese 2 - 2 Lazio

Udinese v Lazio: Preview

Updated: March 14, 2008, 8:01 AM ET

UDINE, March 14 (Serie A) - Antonio Di Natale has told his Udinese team-mates not to obsess about their European ambitions and to concentrate on improving their form.

The Bianconeri had to settle for a point at Palermo last weekend and the result saw their grip on sixth place weaken.

Udinese host Lazio on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their advantage over Sampdoria, who are just one point behind them.

"If we win all the games we have remaining we can finish in a prestigious position,'' said Di Natale.

"But for the time being having already defended our Serie A status we must now focus on playing each game at our best level.

"This is a strange season because the standings can change every weekend and hence we must take it one game at a time and try to get as many points as possible in the 11 games we have left.''

After defeats to Genoa and Parma, Udinese bounced back by taking four points in the last two encounters.

"We have to continue to do well, just as we have done in our last two games,'' said Di Natale.

"Even at times of adversity Udinese have always acted as a team, the group has always been united in order to get good performances and results.''

The Italy international, who is Udinese's top scorer with 12 goals this season, will have an added motivation to help his side qualify for European football next season.

Di Natale is five goals away from breaking his personal goalscoring record of 16 goals scored in the 2001-02 campaign while at Empoli.

"I am close to equalling my record and I hope that I can surpass it,'' said the Bianconero captain.

"But I don't obsess about it because it would be a mistake. I just want to do well for the team.''

In-form Lazio travel north looking to keep up their good run and clinch their second away win of the campaign at the Stadio Friuli.

Delio Rossi's side climbed to 11th place after a 2-0 home win against Livorno last weekend.

The Romans, who finished third last season in Serie A, are seven points behind Udinese, who hold the last UEFA Cup qualifying spot.

The Biancoceleste have taken seven of a possible nine points in the last three encounters.

Udinese need no reminder that Lazio will be no easy customers as the Romans won 4-2 last season in Udine.

"Lazio are a really difficult and dangerous side,'' said Udinese defender Damiano Ferronetti.

"It will be a tough game but Udinese have demonstrated they are a developing side.''

A win on Saturday will be a big confidence boost for the Biancoceleste ahead of Wednesday's derby against Roma.

The hosts welcome back winger Andrea Dossena.

Lazio defender Lorenzo De Silvestri and midfielder Gaby Mudingayi return to the team after both served a one-match ban last weekend.