Gabriele Cioffi spoke to Udinese TV ahead of Sunday’s 14:30 CET kick-off at Dacia Arena against Empoli and this is what he had to say:
There’s a great atmosphere at the club; Udinese have won two games on the bounce. Meanwhile, Empoli haven’t won since December. How do you expect the game to pan out?
Our positivity is something to be proud about, but it also creates a lot of expectations. I think that every team works towards creating this kind of mindset. Our success also means we've got a lot of responsibility. I expect Empoli to make things really difficult for us because we have a great deal of respect for them. If you look at how they've performed in Florence, Milan, Verona, Genoa, and Spezia they've held their own against good sides. They're a side we see as being resilient. I think that stems from president Fabrizio Corsi's approach. There's a common and clearly defined theme between the youth teams and the first team.
What kind of opponent do you see Empoli as? Will you change any of your tactics ahead of the game?
What kind of opponent do you see Empoli as? Will you change any of your tactics ahead of the game?
What we studied over the week with the lads is that Empoli have very clear principles. They’re a dynamic and pacy team that are great at transitioning between defence and attack.
In 2022 no Serie A team has scored more goals than Udinese in home games at the Dacia Arena; 13 goals in 6 games, over two on average. This goes hand-in-hand with how well Beto and Gerard Delofeu are doing; only four teams in the division have two forwards in double figures. How did you get the most out of Udinese’s front line? Not to mention the fact that Nahuel Molina has scored more goals than any other defender in Europe’s top five leagues.
These stats must be contextualized, interpreted and studied in-depth. I believe in attacking and proactive football because matches are not won without goals but we’re aware of our own situation and we know that we also need to defend well.
You beat Venezia in the last minute; Udinese has scored six goals after the 90th minute, more so than any other side. This also says a lot about your team spirit. What do you aspire to achieve by the end of the season?
You beat Venezia in the last minute; Udinese has scored six goals after the 90th minute, more so than any other side. This also says a lot about your team spirit. What do you aspire to achieve by the end of the season?
I'm really sorry for our boys because they've lost a great team-mate. Beto is a sensitive lad. I'm also convinced that he'll return hungrier than before and will score even more goals. Having said that I'm relaxed because I'm certain that his stand-in will be more than adequate; I’m convinced that Gerard, Isaac Success, Nacho Pussetto, and Ilija Nestorovski can fill in as well as Roberto Pereyra; he can also play up top.