Nicolo Bertola was this week's guest on Udinese Tonight. The young defender, who joined the club from Spezia in the summer, spoke about how he is adapting to life in Udine, his first few games of the season, and lots more besides.
“Things are going well. We're trying to help the new guys settle in and the international players still have to return. I can't wait till we have everyone back so that we can prepare for Pisa.”
The Italian contingent was bolstered on deadline day by the addition of Alessandro Zanoli and Nicolo Zaniolo.
“They're two great signings who will bring quality to the team. They're good players and I'm sure they'll help us. It's a good thing to have more Italians in the squad. I was talking to them earlier about the city. They're still looking for a house.”
Nicolo has started both of Udinese's league games so far, against Verona and Inter.
“I'm happy to have played but I think I can do a lot better. I was a bit nervous but l still think I did pretty well. I made lots of mistakes against Verona, in possession too. The nerves were part of it but it's a big step up from Serie B. It takes time to adapt to such an intense league.
“It went better in Milan – you always up your game against teams like Inter. I've watched their goal back lots of times. I shouldn't have gone to ground but I was convinced [Marcus] Thuram was going to shoot. The boss took me off because I was on a yellow but I didn't even touch [Hakan] Calhanoglu.”
Bertola made his Serie A debut back in 2022 while playing for Spezia – as fate would have it, in Udine.
“It was an unforgettable moment. I was 19 and it was an incredible feeling. We won the game and stayed up. I played as a midfielder in that match.”
The Spezia coach at the time was Thiago Motta.
“He just told me to enjoy the moment. He's a top coach. He doesn't beat around the bush but he always defends his players. I learnt a lot from him that year.”
The centre-back then spoke about his decision to join Udinese.
“It's a big opportunity for me. I chose Udinese because this is a club that gives you time to develop without rushing you. I hope to do very well here. The club had been interested in me for months. My agent and I waited till the end of the season before making a decision. While I was injured I often spoke to Udinese and we decided to go down this route. I had other options in Serie A and abroad but I'd given my word to Udinese. They really wanted me and it's a club with a great history.”
Nicolo was met in Udine by technical director Gokhan Inler.
“He was really helpful right from the start. I was told about Udinese's history, shown around the stadium and everything else, which I thought was wonderful. Inler is always around for training. He gives us advice. I understand why he's so highly thought of here.”