Udinese's European adventure will continue into the new year after a narrow victory over Dinamo Zagreb in UEFA Cup Group D.
Fabio Quagliarella struck in the fifth minute at the Stadio Friuli before Christian Obodo put the game beyond their rivals' reach with 11 minutes remaining to book Udinese's place in the last 32.
Igor Biscan reduced the deficit in stoppage time but it was too little too late for Dinamo.
Udinese's victory - their third in as many games - has left the Friuli outfit three points clear of Tottenham and Spartak Moscow with one pool clash remaining.
The game was stopped for five minutes late in the contest after away fans threw firecrackers onto the pitch.
Udinese could not have asked for a better start with Quagliarella latching onto Antonio Di Natale's cross and firing a right-footed shot from the heart of the area past goalkeeper Tomislav Butina.
The goal inspired the hosts who almost doubled their lead soon after but Butina made an acrobatic save to clear Obodo's long-range effort.
The Croatian side, playing in their final game, came close on 10 minutes with Mihael Mikic forcing goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to fully stretch to clear his powerful strike from distance.
An unmarked Di Natale should have made it 2-0 after shortly after but failed to beat Butina on a one on one, with his effort parried away by the keeper.
On the half-hour mark, Dinamo almost pulled level but Mirko Hrgovic's stinging drive went inches wide of the far post.
Udinese continued to surge forward but were unable to extend their lead before the interval.
Dinamo showed more determination after the restart but struggled to get past Udinese's well-organized defense.
Hrgovic tried his luck from distance but his effort went wide.
When play resumed following the unscheduled late interruption, Udinese finally extended their advantage.
A fantastic run down the right from Simone Pepe ended with a cross towards Obodo who struck past Butina.
Dinamo had the last say, with Biscan taking advantage of confusion inside Udinese's area and heading past Handanovic, but it was not enough to affect the outcome.
