Udinese finish fourth in Serie A
Sunday, May 22, 2011
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Udinese Calcio confirmed their place in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 0-0 draw against title winners AC Milan, pipping S.S. Lazio to fourth place on goal difference.
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Udinese Calcio finished fourth in Serie A and ensured their return to the UEFA Champions League with a goalless draw at home to AC Milan.
Requiring a point to make sure, the Friulani could have taken all three had Antonio Di Natale, the division's 28-goal top scorer, not had his penalty saved by Marco Amelia in the second half. Udinese, who lost their first four league games of the season, last competed in Europe's premier club competition in 2005/06, when they exited in the group stage.
S.S. Lazio finished level on points with Francesco Guidolin's team after a 4-2 victory at US Lecce but miss out on goal difference. Elsewhere, AS Roma recovered from a goal down to defeat relegated UC Sampdoria 3-1 and qualify for the UEFA Europa League along with their city neighbours.
Juventus − who yesterday announced the departure of coach Luigi Delneri − drew 2-2 with third-placed SSC Napoli, while Giampaolo Pazzini scored twice as FC Internazionale Milano ended the season with a 3-1 home win against Calcio Catania at San Siro.
Finally, it was a day to remember for AS Bari forward Francesco Grandolfo. The 18-year-old forward registered a hat-trick on his first start for the relegated club in a 4-0 triumph at Bologna FC.