Arsenal Handed Udinese in Tough Champions League Qualifying Play-Off

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Arsenal have been handed a tough route into the UEFA Champions League group stages after they drew Italian side Udinese in the qualifying play-offs.

With the transfer speculation surrounding Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, it has been far from a smooth run into the new season. Their qualifying match against Udinese has made it considerably harder.

Udinese finished fourth last season in the Italian Serie A, though they've sold three of the stars of previous campaign in - Alexis Sanchez, Cristian Zapata and Gokhan Inler.

The play-offs will be played over two legs with the first leg on August 16 and the second on 23.

However, the Gunners have to play the first leg without Arsene Wenger, who received a touch-line ban as well as Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri all of whom were suspended in the 3-1 defeat to Barcelona last season.

A place in the group stages is vital for Arsenal for it guarantees at least £17.4 million.

Udinese boss Giampaolo Pozzo told Sky Italia, "Fascinating matchup. It's for us like someone who's never been to a big city then visits New York... There is a chance we'll go out, but this being Arsenal, you are going to give it all, physically and mentally, perhaps more than against a side without a tradition like that."