Following the press conference featuring Jakub Piotrowski and Saba Goglichidze, two more new Udinese players were presented at Bluenergy Stadium: Alessandro Nunziante and Lennon Miller. They were introduced to the media by managing director Franco Collavino, group technical director Gian Luca Nani, and sporting director Gokhan Inler.
Franco Collavino opened the occasion: "Nunziante and Miller are two young players who’ve already accumulated a lot of experience. Alessandro, who was born in 2007, has already been part of the Italian youth national teams and was one of the best goalkeepers in Serie C. He’s a player of great quality and potential and we’re happy for him to join the club.
“As for Lennon, he’s a promising youngster who’s already made more than 70 professional appearances and shown his qualities. We moved very quickly to bring him to Udinese. You’re all very aware how Udinese are well versed with working with young players as part of our strategy."
Gian Luca Nani underscored the value of the two deals: "Following on from what Collavino said I’d like to add that these two players have two things in common: they’re extraordinary talents and they embody Udinese's philosophy.
“Negotiations for both of the signings began last November. We had to fight off two important clubs to sign Alessandro and we really trust in his abilities. Udinese have a great goalkeeping tradition, and we’re confident that he’ll continue this tradition.
“The negotiations for Lennon were very difficult, because he was in high demand and there were so many clubs fighting for his signature. Fortunately he chose us, and I’d like to thank his family, agent and his former club. These two players represent the present and the future of Udinese."
Gokhan Inler offered the following: "I've been close to these players throughout this process and seeing them here makes me proud because I know they've joined a major club.
“Both have got ambitious goals and it was immediately clear how committed they are to football. Miller really wanted to come here, leave his homeland and have a new experience - this determination has helped us a lot. Good luck and welcome to both of them."
Then it was time for the two players to offer their thoughts:
Alessandro Nunziante shared his initial impressions: “It’s a big leap to go from Serie C to Serie A. I'm here to work hard, and fortunately there are exceptional coaches who make sure you have everything you need.
“Udinese have all of the conditions that are required to help you as a player develop, and it's the right place for a young player who wants to achieve something.
“I’m training every day with the head coach and trying to adapt as best I can and always give my all, so I'm ready when the opportunity arises. I'm very inspired by [Gigi] Donnarumma - I often watch his training videos because he covers his goal very well and he’s an extraordinary goalkeeper.
“When I spoke to the director he outlined everything about Udinese to me, and I was immediately sold on the project. I chose to come here because there's attention to every detail - nothing is left to chance. This is crucial for a young player.
“Coming to Udine is a starting point for me - I'm still young and I want to develop a lot. My strengths are hard work and dedication, as well as my footwork and my connection with the defence during build-up play from the back.”
Lennon Miller was also enthusiastic about his move: “I've spoken to everyone here at the club and received excellent feedback. I'm here to work hard and improve every day. I just want to play football, no matter what my role is in midfield. The important thing is to be useful to the team.
“It's difficult to move to another country at such a young age, but I'm ready to look ahead, to get stuck into Serie A and try to succeed in Italy like other Scots before me. It’s an honour to become the first Scot ever to play for Udinese - I want to follow the example of those who’ve already made their mark in this league.
“I still have a lot to learn and my goal is to play as much as possible and gain experience. I'm not a midfielder who gets in the box a lot, but I see myself as being very good at dominating the midfield and bringing balance to the team. I've already gained a lot of experience in my career and I can't wait to put it to use for Udinese.”