Europa League: Udinese take a step closer to round of 32

UDINESE inched closer to qualification for the Europa League round of 32 after holding Rennes to a drab goalless draw in France in the other match in Celtic’s Group I last night.

The hosts, who rested a number of their top players ahead of a crucial league match with Nice at the weekend, needed a victory to keep their European prospects, alive but, apart from a couple of chances in the second half, the Ligue 1 side struggled against the disciplined Italians, who could have scored twice in the opening stages through Antonio Floro Flores, who headed Emmanuel Badu’s cross wide and then hit the post.

The former Napoli striker capitalised on an error by John Boye, who had failed to deal with Kwadwo Asamoah’s pass, but his effort came back off the far upright.

Rennes came out with more purpose after the break, Youssouf Hadji heading Stephane Dalmat’s corner over on 52 minutes, before setting up a chance for Vincent Pajot, who blazed over a forest of bodies.

Lively substitute Jonathan Pitroipa also carved out a chance for himself only to be denied by Samir Handanovic, who almost punched the ball into his own net late on, but Francesco Guidolin’s men might themselves have snatched a winner, Dušan Basta and Floro Flores both coming close.

The Italians now just need to avoid defeat at home to Celtic on 15 December to be assured of progress to the round of 32.