Grp I: Celtic vs Udinese Preview

The Italian club arrived at Celtic Park for training on Wednesday night without a recognised first-team striker with Guidolin claiming he left Italy international Antonio Di Natale behind because he is "tired" while Paulo Barreto and Antonio Floro Flores are both reportedly injured.

Indications were that 21-year-old attacking midfielder Diego Fabbrini is set to back up Almen Abdi, a midfielder who will be asked to play the lone-striker's role.

The only attacker who travelled is 17-year-old Davide Marsura who will start on the bench while Christian Battocchio, 19, and Mattia Bedin, 17, could start in a youthful five-man midfield.

Guidolin revealed he had holidayed in the Highlands four months ago to get "away from the hustle and bustle" of life.

However, he looked less than relaxed when questioned about his inexperienced squad by the Italian and Scottish media at the pre-match press conference at Parkhead and bristled in reply.

"My choices are logical," he said. "If anyone doesn't like it then tough.

"It is a question of necessity. I just don't have any other attackers available.

"I would have brought everyone along but many of the squad are very tired.

"It is a problem for us but it would have been a problem if Di Natale had travelled. He would have only played some of the game.

"What the people in Italy are saying isn't really important, the choice of players I have brought has been well thought out, it wasn't a decision I reached quickly.

"Di Natale has played four games in 15 days and if he were here I couldn't expect great things from him.

"These are choices that have been forced upon me.

"If we were playing Atletico Madrid or Rennes tomorrow [Thursday] I would have made the same decision but two weeks from now, who knows?

"But let me make it clear to the Scottish journalists, there is absolutely no way that I am turning my nose up at the Europa League or underestimating Celtic, absolutely not.

"This is the probably the toughest group in the competition."

Guidolin's opposite number Neil Lennon played down significance of the Italian club arriving in Glasgow without a recognised first-team striker.

"If it benefits us then I'm pleased about it but we will wait and see," said the Celtic boss.

"Di Natale is a quality player and has been in great form for the last 18 months, two years.

"If he is not there then I am sure they have adequate cover.

"I don't think it is disrespect. People have brought that up but I don't think so, their coach will do what he feels is best for their team."