Marino wary of overachieving Catania

Udinese Calcio are the shock Serie A leaders after eight games but coach Pasquale Marino insists the real surprise of the season are his former team Calcio Catania, the side they face at the Massimino Stadium tonight.

Unexpected start
Udinese are top on goal difference from both FC Internazionale Milano, who visit ACF Fiorentina, and SSC Napoli, who host Reggina Calcio. The Friulani have earned 17 points and no team have scored more than their 15 goals, while Walter Zenga's Catania are sixth, two points behind the frontrunners and boasting the best defensive record of five goals against. "Nobody could have expected such a start from Udinese or Catania – it is great," said Marino. "Catania are the real surprise of the season, as Udinese and Napoli had already achieved good results last term.

Promotion secured
"Zenga is doing a terrific job," added the 46-year-old, who coached Catania between 2005 and 2007, leading the Sicilian side to Serie A promotion in 2006. "We will have to work hard at the Massimino Stadium. They have won all their home games and are yet to concede at home. Several of the players I coached during my time at Catania are still there and it will definitely be an emotional game for me, like last season. They are in great form and I will have to study every small detail before the match."

Di Natale out
Udinese, who launched their UEFA Cup group-stage campaign with a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur FC last week, overcame last season's domestic runners-up AS Roma 3-1 on Sunday. "Every win helps to increase our confidence but we shouldn't get carried away," continued the coach, who will be without Antonio Di Natale due to a slight knee injury. "We have to face every team with the same mentality we showed against Roma. We can't afford any break in our focus."

Zenga realistic
Meanwhile, the 48-year-old Zenga is also keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite Catania's impressive start. "We cannot forget that we are not Real Madrid [CF] and we do not have to win every game," said the former Italy goalkeeper. "Our goal remains avoiding relegation. Udinese deserve to be at the top and they play great football, especially in attack. It will be a great game."