Serie A preview: Domestic duties back in Udinese focus

Udinese will aim to bounce back from their Champions League disappointment, while Inter Milan play host to Roma on the weekend.

Francesco Guidolin’s side failed to qualify for the Champions League for a second straight season after a penalty shootout loss to Portuguese side Braga midweek.

Guidolin offered to resign as manager following the defeat, but has been persuaded to stay on.

“Guidolin is and will be Udinese’s coach,” club owner Gianpaolo Pozzo said.

“His bitterness and words came from the fact that he is a very sensitive man.

“He always gives 200 percent in what he does and he always transmits this energy to the squad.”

Udinese, who lost their season opener to Fiorentina, face champions Juventus at home on Sunday.

Juventus accounted for Parma in their opening match and look set to welcome back Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini from injury.

Roma will travel to the San Siro on Sunday in search of their first away win over Inter since 2007.

Zdenek Zeman’s men were held to a 2-2 draw by Catania last weekend, while Inter sit on top of the table after thumping Pescara 3-0.

Elsewhere, AC Milan, fresh from a home defeat to promoted Sampdoria last weekend, will journey to Bologna on Saturday.

Torino will take on Pescara at home in Saturday’s early fixture.

Cagliari and Atalanta, who both lost their opening fixtures, will clash on Sunday, while Parma will play host to Chievo.

Lazio and Palermo will meet in Rome as Siena face Sampdoria away.

Catania will face Genoa at home, while Napoli are up against Fiorentina.