Udinese's back-to-back destruction of Inter and Juventus, two of the traditional powerhouses of Italy, conceived hopes of a European finish with whispers of a place in the Champions League beginning to gain pitch. However, midweek's disappointing 1-1 draw with Bologna has brought the Bianconeri back to the ground.
Udinese are currently in seventh spot in the league standings with 37 points from 23 matches, level with Palermo and just four points off a Champions League place. A place among the elite in Italy is not out of question yet as with other Europe-chasing teams failing to maintain consistency, the Zebrette should perceive themselves as potential candidates for a place in the Europa League.
Udinese have a terribly good form at home too as Francesco Guidolin's side have registered no fewer than seven Serie A victories at the Stadio Friuli and have scored 19 goals in 11 league encounters in Udine this campaign.
Relegation Form
It wouldn't be justified if one were to term Sampdoria as one of the candidates for relegation from Serie A this season but their form is so abysmal at the moment that it wouldn't be surprising if they get dragged into the dogfight after a couple of rounds.
Domenico Di Carlo's team are one of the worst sides form-wise in the Italian top flight at the moment as they have lost their last three competitive fixtures and have register just one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions. The Blucerchiati have been so poor that they are now in the lower half of the Serie A table with 27 points from 22 matches, just six points above the relegation zone.
Sampdoria's away form in the league so far this season is terrible too but they need to get at least something from their match in Udine to ease the pressure on themselves.
With Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini both gone, no one at the club really is targeting for a European place, but with points hard to come by just as the goals, if things don't improve Samp could get immersed in the murky waters at the basement.
TEAM NEWS
Udinese
Basta, Ferronetti, Angella and Handanovic are unavailable for the Bianconeri as they are injured.
Sampdoria
Semioli, Gastaldello, Lucchini and Pozzi are out injured while Poli is suspended.
Prediction
Udinese dropped points in midweek but with Sampdoria in a wretched run of form and disappointing on the road, the Bianconeri should return to winning ways this weekend.
Udinese 2-0 Sampdoria 
