This week's guest on Udinese Tonight was Daniele Padelli, two days after the veteran goalkeeper played his first Serie A match for the club since May 2022.
Beside speaking about the experience itself, he also discussed the team's form, with Udinese having rediscovered their early-season form after a period where results were harder to come by.
“Everything is going well at the moment – it's a very positive spell for us. There's a great atmosphere in the dressing room, within the team and at the stadium. We're buzzing.
“On the first day of pre-season we said to each other that we needed to change – and change is a long process, not a switch. We all rolled up our sleeves – and I mean every one of us. When you spend every day with these lads, you see people like [Florian] Thauvin and [Alexis] Sanchez putting their heart and soul into it, giving 110%, with their work and the example they set. That fortifies the group, especially when you have some older players and lots of youngsters who can learn from the example."
On donning the Udinese jersey for Saturday's game against Parma: “When [Razvan] Sava got injured – and I'm really sorry for him because he was doing well – I knew [Edoardo] Piana or I would have the chance to play. He played in Milan and I thought to myself: 'Let's see. I'm ready. If they choose me, great. Otherwise, no problem, I understand.' I'm delighted though and I want to thank everyone who believed in me and my team-mates, who were a huge help. It's very gratifying.
“I felt quite nervous, in the build-up to the game too – although by then I was more focused – but then it went well. I did what I needed to do. My team-mates urged me to go over to the Curva, who were basically cheering for me. It filled me with immense pride. I want to thank all the fans who gave me this gift – it's one that I will always remember, on a personal level more than a footballing one.
“I didn't really celebrate after the match. I played with the kids in the evening. Then on Sunday I was back on the training ground because there's no rest for the wicked! My son Diego was caught on camera at the stadium. He was emotional and I was even more so because I could see the emotion in his eyes. I'm happy he got to see me play because I say to him, 'I'm off to training' but then if that's all it is...
“My mum was there, my wife, my younger son too, my friends at the stadium and at home, my dad at home in front of the TV... It was like a second debut. I actually made my Serie A debut for Bari in Udine, so it was like closing the circle.”