Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin is glad to have avoided the big names after they were paired with Greek side PAOK in the last 32 of the Europa League.
Unbeaten PAOK topped Group A ahead of Rubin Kazan with Premier League side Tottenham failing to progress while Udinese finished second behind Atletico Madrid in their pool.
Guidolin was satisfied with the draw and said: "Having faced Arsenal in the qualifying play-off round and then been placed in a Europa League group similar to the Champions League, we can only be calm. We cannot complain as we have avoided big European clubs. However, whether PAOK will be a rival we can beat remains to be seen."
Guidolin knows his team will have to overcome the intimidating atmosphere in Greece.
"To play in Greece is always a challenge," he said. "We know we will face a heated and difficult atmosphere."
The Italians, who are flying high in the domestic competition, are keen to improve on their record in Europe in recent years.
Udinese reached the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2009.