With Udinese and Cagliari facing off at Dacia Arena on Sunday afternoon, coach Gabriele Cioffi spoke to Udinese TV about what he’s expecting from his players.
After a two-week international break, things are kicking off again this weekend. How have you been preparing over the last few days and how are the team doing ahead of Cagliari?
“I’m very happy with the past two weeks. The squad has been doing really well, not only technically and tactically but also physically.”
How have those returning from international duty been doing? Destiny Udogie didn’t end up playing for Italy U21, but Lazar Samardzic did well and scored for Germany’s U20 side. Nahuel Molina travelled far for his fixtures so faced a long journey back. How are they doing?
“Even though Destiny didn’t get to play, he returned very motivated and ready. Samardzic had an exhausting game against Italy and then did really well against England, managing to get on the scoresheet. I haven’t given him much game time, but I do believe in him a lot. As for Nahuel, I think that the enthusiasm and energy that playing for your national side brings on an emotional level outweighs the physical burden it places on you. For this reason, as I’ve said before, I’d like to coach a squad full of international players.”
You will have to cope without Pablo Mari as he faces suspension this week. He’s been really important for the team since his arrival. However, there’s good news too as Bram Nuytinck is back to full fitness. How has he been doing over these last few days?
“Something that we say to ourselves every day is that we don’t just have eleven first-string players. We have so many options available to us within this group of players. If someone is missing, another player will step in and I don’t even bat an eyelid. Any player who comes in will do well and be motivated. Bram’s return will do us good; as I always say, he’s a crucial player for us both on and off the pitch.”
Let’s talk now about the opposing side: Cagliari are on the hunt for crucial points to keep them in the league next season. What kind of game are you expecting? Are you perhaps anticipating a competitive match which might be a bit cagey?
“Cagliari have newfound energy and physical vitality. They’ve found a good balance. I don’t know if it will be a cagey affair, but I’m sure that they’ll come to Udine fired up and that they’ll face a side that is also fired up. We’ll give them a run for their money.”
They have some issues with COVID and various international players. What do you think are going to be the main dangers? Even though it will be a different Cagliari side, do you want to see a similar performance to the reverse fixture, as Udinese were at their best in that game?
“I don’t look for excuses for my team, nor do I do so for others. We’re not best suited to talk about COVID cases, as we’ve already had our fair share of experience in this regard. As for the reverse fixture, it’s in the past and already forgotten. We are expecting a team that is eager to do well and get some points on the board.”
The match against Cagliari is the first of many games in April, as you have some rescheduled fixtures and lots of matches to play. Are you hoping to draw closer to numerical safety this week so that you can try to reach the best possible position in the league after that?
“We’re expecting a big performance tomorrow. The day after that is already looking too far ahead. Our concentration levels need to be at 150%, because 110% is not enough. We need to focus on the here and now.”