AC Milan's impressive run of results could mean that if they rack up another three points against Udinese on Sunday, it could possibly allow them to climb above Inter Milan and essentially move into the European qualification zone.
Having won six out of their last seven league games at the San Siro, the Rossoneri will surely rate their chances of overcoming a Udinese side who although have shown recent signs of improvement, have struggled enormously this season.
Milan have gradually progressed as a unit, and coach Massimiliano Allegri knows that if they manage to beat Udinese they would reignite their chances of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League, even if this seemed an almost impossible task just a couple of months ago.
Having purchased Mario Balotelli from Manchester City earlier in the week, the Italian giants have shown that they still intend to attract high-profile players, and although the controversial striker is unlikely to feature against Udinese, he is destined to make an impact at the club in the future.
For Sunday's clash at least, Giampaolo Pazzini is set to partner Stephan El Shaarawy in the attack, while M'Baye Niang could offer them support from the right flank.
Massimo Ambrosini, Nigel de Jong and Didac continue to be sidelined with injury, but besides the trio Allegri will be able to field a full-strength squad.
Rivals Udinese, who lie in a disappointing ninth-place, welcome back Mehdi Benatia after the Moroccan defender represented his national team at the African Cup of Nations.
The Zebrette will be looking to cause an upset at the San Siro, and much of their chances of doing this lie on the shoulders of prolific striker Antonio Di Natale, who is expected to be partnered in the attack by 21-year-old Colombian international Luis Muriel.
Milan's last four matches
Jan 27, 2013: Atalanta 0-1 Milan (Serie A)
Jan 20, 2013: Milan 2-1 Bologna (Serie A)
Jan 13, 2013: Sampdoria 0-0 Milan (Serie A)
Jan 9, 2013: Juventus 2-1 Milan (Coppa Italia)
Udinese's last four matches
Jan 27, 2013: Udinese 1-0 Siena (Serie A)
Jan 19, 2013: Juventus 4-0 Udinese (Serie A)
Jan 13, 2013: Udinese 3-1 Fiorentina (Serie A)
Jan 6, 2013: Udinese 3-0 Inter (Serie A)
Facts
- When the sides met earlier in the season Udinese recorded a 2-1 home victory thanks to goals from Mathias Ranegie and star striker Antonio Di Natale.
- Milan have claimed victories in six out of their last seven league games at the San Siro, against such teams like Bologna, Siena, Pescara and rivals Juventus.
