Serie A: The rise and rise of Udinese

Anyone who witnessed Udinese's 7-0 win over Palermo at the weekend won't need any introduction to the 'little Barcelona'. Udinese's incredible rise up the table since they lost their first four games this season has been as remarkable as it has been brilliant. At first it went unnoticed, and to a degree that was to be expected. After all in the seasons early going they were beaten 4-0 by Juventus and looked to be facing the same battle against relegation that they did last season. 

But perhaps those that thought that would transpire should have had a little more faith in Francesco Guidolin, the same man that coached Parma to 8th last season, a Parma side that now is battling relegation. Udinese contrarily are only five points away from third place and are now unbeaten since December where Lazio were victorious against them by 3-2 Udinese have since registered seven wins and three draws. They've beaten Inter and Juve, and scored four against Milan in an unbelievable 4-4 draw at San Siro. The only shock was the 0-0 home draw against Brescia last weekend where most thought they'd run up a cricket score. Instead they saved that for Palermo scoring a sublime seven times, three through Di Natale and four through Sanchez. 

These two players are taking the plaudits but the squad runs deeper than that. Handanovic in goal is an assured pair of hands at the back while Zapater is continuing to enhance his reputation at the back. Then you have newcomer Pablo Armero who has been a revelation going forward all the while Inler and Asamoah hold court in midfield. Even German Denis has come into his own in a super sub role weighing in with big goals against Milan and Genoa. It most certainly has been a team effort masterminded by Guidolin who has made them a delight to watch going forward. Indeed, nobody has scored more goals than Udinese this season. 49 to be precise in 27 rounds, level with both Inter and Milan. At this rate Lazio will struggle to hang onto fourth spot for much longer as this Udinese juggernaught rolls on with Bari looking set to be the next victim, and with Cagliari and Catania up next this run looks like it will not end yet.

Parallels will of course be made with the great Udinese side of the 1997-98 season which finish third when all was said and done with Oliver Bierhoff topping the scoring charts as well. This time it's Di Natale leading the line but third could well be within their grasp yet.