Post by Admin on Sept 28, 2011 11:34:37 GMT
Italian international Antonio Di Natale will not face Celtic. Pic: © SNS Group
Celtic’s Europa League opponents Udinese have left Antonio Di Natale out of their squad as they prepare to travel to Glasgow for their match at Parkhead on Thursday evening.
The Serie A side have named their travelling party and, despite several injuries, have opted to rest the Italian international.
The news will come as a boost to Celtic manager Neil Lennon as he plans for the match, with Di Natale being one of the key players in Francesco Guidolin’s side.
The 33-year old, who scored 28 goals in 36 appearances as Udinese earned their European place last season, has hit the ground running again this term. Di Natale has found the net five times in seven games, including a goal against Arsenal in their Champions League playoff tie.
Romanian talent Gabriel Torje is cup-tied and will miss the match, while defender Maurizio Domizzi has also been left out.
Forwards Antonio Floro Flores and Barreto are out injured, meaning Guidolin is likely to press youngster Diego Fabbrini into service as a striker.
Guidolin said that after staring pre-season training early to prepare for the Arsenal tie, Di Natale’s schedule had to be carefully managed.
Celtic, meanwhile, are able to call on striker Gary Hooper. The Englishman had been a doubt with a leg injury but has declared himself fit to play.
Udinese squad: Handanovic, Padelli, Romo; Armero, Basta, Benatia, Ekstrand, Danilo, Neuton, Pereyra; Abdi, Asamoah, Badu, Battocchio, Doubai, Isla, Pinzi; Fabbrini, Marsura