Arsenal 'biggest game' for Udinese says Antonio Di Natale

Di Natale plays at the Emirates tonight (GETTY IMAGES)

Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale believes tonight's Champions League play-off tie against Arsenal is the biggest match in the history of the Italian club.

Francesco Guidolin's side finished fourth in Serie A last season to set up the two-legged clash against Arsenal with the winners progressing into the lucrative group stages of the Champions League, and Di Natale told Gazzetta dello Sport he believes the game is a step up for Udinese.

"I think this is the biggest game of all existence of Udinese," he said.

"I can think of only the match against Ajax in 1997, but that was played in the UEFA Cup, while here we are in the Champions League."

The 33-year-old Italy international is one of only as handful of experienced players in the Udinese squad but he feels the players around him are ready to accept the challenge of top level European football.

"For me they are no longer kids, it is an incredible feeling to play in this stadium. At club level, is the biggest challenge of my career - the satisfaction is comparable only with my national team debut, but here I am, leading a team of twenty-somethings as captain," he added.

Guidolin praised Arsene Wenger, his counterpart at the Emirates who is banned from the touchline for tonight's game, but also reckons his team are ready to take on Arsenal.

He said: "I like a football game where a coach can work on a long term project, but I think that Udinese is on its way to this direction.

Do not expect me to stay 15 years in Udine, but this club is the place to work. We are all aware that we are facing a difficult season, but we are mentally prepared to face them."