Udinese coach Gabriele Cioffi discussed the clash with Roma on Sunday (18:00 kick-off at Dacia Arena) during his pre-match press conference.
The stunning win against Sampdoria improved the team’s league position. Has it also set you up nicely in terms of the mood in the camp to face a top Roma side?
“It was an important step forward against Sampdoria. We know there’s a long ascent ahead of us and the teams behind us are nearby, but our target is also nearby, so we’re focused on the present.”
Roma played on Thursday evening in Europe, with [Jose] Mourinho rotating the team. Does that give them a small advantage?
“If [Lorenzo] Pellegrini or [Jordan] Veretout plays, for example, it means that Roma’s rotation is relative. We’re talking about a top club with brilliant players who are the finished article or are on the way. They have a high level, so the focus shouldn’t be on rotation, but on a team that knows how to get its hands dirty, adapt and dig in based on the opposition.
“I think that’s a key to the game because if we’re up against top players who are able to adapt, it means we’ll be facing a top team, but we’ll be ready.”
What sort of game are you expecting and what sort of side are Roma? They’ve shifted to a back three and seem to have found defensive solidity, while giving [Nicolo] Zaniolo and [Tammy] Abraham more freedom up front. Are they the main dangers?
“We expect to face a top side that has clear ideas and real potential. They have game principles regardless of the formation. They haven’t conceded a goal in their last three matches. They’ve improved so much in possession with the exception of the last game [against Vitesse], of course, which I don’t think matters much.
“They’re adapting to the way matches are going, which is key, as reading games is something that top teams can do.”
You’ll be without Walace, who’s always been a key player for helping the team find the right balance. How will his absence through suspension affect the team? Have you thought about the options to replace him, such as [Mato] Jajalo and [Tolgay] Arslan?
“Walace is such a key player for us. He’ll be replaced by a player of equal importance. Jajalo and Arslan have been mentioned. Based on the game, we’ll decide which of the two has the suitable characteristics to thwart Roma.”
You’ve had [Bram] Nuytinck back in training this week. How’s he doing?
“Bram is good. He’s such a key player for us. We’re so pleased to have him back. He is such an important player within the dressing room.”
Are you excited to be up against [Jose] Mourinho for the first time in your coaching career? He’s one of the most successful coaches out there and also one of the most fascinating characters in world football.
“I’ll just say there’s a battle in the family because my brother is coming to watch the game just to see me shake Mourinho’s hand. [he laughs] Jokes aside, it’ll certainly be a key and rewarding moment.
“He’s a coach who I have studied. He’s a fascinating character who’s among the most successful coaches in the world along with [Pep] Guardiola, [Carlo] Ancelotti and [Zinedine] Zidane. It’s never easy to have success, particularly over time, so that’s another reason for the players to turn in a great display.”