Guidolin impatient for Sunday to come around

Francesco Guidolin says he cannot wait for Udinese to play the final game of the season as his side fight for a place in the Champions League. Udinese need only a draw away to Catania on Sunday to ensure they take third spot and earn a place in Europe's premier club competition. The unfancied northerners already caused a surprise last season by finishing fourth and making it into the Champions League play-off round and they could get there again. Italy may have lost a place in the Champions League but that has not stopped Udinese continuing their unlikely challenge. "History will be made tomorrow. It's been a long week and I already would like it to be tomorrow," said Guidolin. "I would like to dream but there's still a match to play that will be decided on the pitch. We're on the final bend and we'll try to have the legs and heart to push us on." To prepare for the game, Guidolin has tried to shield his players from the pressure. "I've asked the lads to isolate themselves as much as possible, to ignore certain things and to concentrate on their work," said Guidolin. "That's the only way to be in top physical and mental condition. We have to expect a tough challenge because if you do so, it increases your determination." Even so, Guidolin acknowledges it would be a surprise to finish third, above the likes of Inter Milan, Napoli and Lazio, not least because of what happened to Sampdoria after their unexpected fourth-place finish the year before. They went on to get relegated last season. "I didn't expect to be third but it's happened because of how well the players have done and now we want to go all the way," he said. "We wanted to get out the blocks quickly and that was our secret. We were a little bit concerned because of what happened to Sampdoria. "We started really well, then had difficult moments, but now the sun is shining again and we want to achieve that dream."