5 Best Arsenal performances against Italian sides in Europe

Udinese (2011/12)

Walcott was the match winner in the first leg at the Emirates

Arsenal drew Udinese in the Champions League qualification process after finishing 4th the season prior. Francesco Guidolin's team posed a real threat, especially through potent striker Antonio Di Natale.

The first leg was hosted by the London side and it was their first match since the departure of captain and star midfielder Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona. However, the home side got off to a brilliant start, breaking the deadlock in the 4th minute through Theo Walcott.

Walcott's effort was the only goal of the game in a match that was a rather quiet one at both ends. Arsene Wenger's men struggled to get into any real rhythm and without danger man, Robin van Persie, who was serving a suspension and lacked a proper outlet in attack.

Di Natale did cause problems for Arsenal's defence on occasion and even hit the woodwork after his spectacularly struck free-kick crashed off the crossbar in the first half. However, the Italian outfit couldn't grab a crucial away goal with the match ending 1-0 to the hosts.

The second leg was a much more thrilling affair as both sides played expansive attacking football in the hopes of securing the coveted spot in Europe's elite competition.

It was Udinese who scored the first of the game with Di Natale poking a header past Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny from a Giampiero Pinzi cross just before the half-time whistle blew.

The goal seemed to knock some life into the away side who struck back with a smart finish from new captain Robin van Persie.

The Gunners' were then dealt a huge blow as Udinese were awarded a penalty after Thomas Vermaelen was judged to handle the ball in the penalty area. Nonetheless, 'keeper Szczesny kept out Di Natale's penalty with a magnificent save to keep Arsenal level in the match.

The save seemed to spur Arsenal with Theo Walcott putting the contest to bed in the 69th minute, smartly slotting the ball past Samir Handanovic in the Udinese goal. Arsenal ended the tie as victors, the 3-1 aggregate scoreline taking them through to the Champions League group stages.