European prestige

The big game this evening in the Friuli Stadium can be followed from 19.00 hours @ ATM_es. Udinese and Atletico, both with four points after the first two games of the group stage of the UEFA Europa League will meet for the top spot in Group I. Since the red and whites first set foot on Italian turf on Wednesday, the sky of this small city of 100,000 people next to Slovenia has been under a cloud of rain. On a gray day, the color must be introduced via football. Udenese, unbeaten in Serie A so far and co-leader with Juventus, have recovered from their early exit from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal.  Guidolin’s men have only conceded one goal in seven games played in their domestic competition. However, in Europe they seem more vulnerable and have already conceded two goals in matches against Rennes and Celtic.    Ahead of the match this afternoon, the Italian coach of Udinese confirmed that Floro Flores will start in attack and Armero in the rear, but kept his cards close to his chest about the possibility of fielding their best man, Antonio Di Natale. The Neapolitan, who turned 33 last week is the team's star player. He has scored 6 of the 11 goals for Udinese this season.    Meanwhile, Atletico come in to the game as group leaders and will be looking to get a step closer to the next round. The rojiblancos have looked good in Europe and in three matches away in this season’s UEFA Europa League have scored points. Manzano's team won in Norway and Portugal, and drew in France in their last match against Rennes.   The performances of the team have been good, despite the lack of scoring in recent games, and Atletico coach will not make major changes in the team this afternoon. He said he will introduce 'two or three' changes to the side that drew on Saturday in Granada. Gregorio Manzano will continue to pursue the rotations with the aim of having a fresh team at the Calderon on Sunday against Mallorca.   What is certain is that Silvio, Salvio, Arda Turan and Antonio Lopez will not be involved. They are still focused on their recovery processes and have not traveled. Nor has Sergio Asenjo, for technical reasons.