Andrea Sottil is ready for his first home game in Serie A, with Salernitana providing the opposition for Udinese at Dacia Arena on Saturday. Ahead of the match, the coach discussed how his side have been preparing for it.
“We've had a good week of training. I've spoken to the lads about what we need to work on and how they can improve on the good things they did in Milan. We've been focusing mainly on physical work and intensity to increase the overall condition of the squad. I'm happy with how they've been working – we're all very focused on our first home game. We're keen to produce a big performance and start with a good result against a tricky, pragmatic team.
“We were disappointed to lose to AC Milan but we realise that we played well. Not many teams can go to San Siro, score two and create numerous decent chances in the box. You have to learn from defeats and go again, making sure you improve and don't repeat mistakes.
“I was happy with our attacking movement in Milan. It's something we analysed with the lads and they were humble enough to admit their mistakes. Sometimes you make the wrong decision in a match situation. We do need to improve our finishing though. We created lots of openings at San Siro and we have quality midfielders and forwards who can get into shooting positions. I know we'll score goals because I see them in training every day.”
Sottil then outlined what he expects from tomorrow's visitors.
“Salernitana are a solid side who play vertical football and are aggressive on the second balls. I don't know if or how [Davide] Nicola will use their new signings. [Antonio] Candreva was thrown straight in for the first game, for example. We've studied them and we'll show them the respect they deserve, as we did against AC Milan, but we'll focus on our own game.
“We'll attack and defend as we've trained for. We have a great engine and we've worked on faster distribution, playing it forward and running into space. With the players we've got, we can play nice football and up the tempo. We need to use the anger from not getting more from our opening game and turn it into determination tomorrow.”
Hundreds of fans showed their support by attending the team's final training session on Friday – and Sottil is hoping they will provide an extra gear for his side.
“It's always nice to have your own fans behind you. I know what the Udinese fans are like and Dacia Arena helps make their presence felt. I hope we get a big crowd tomorrow to drive the team on and make sure we start on the right foot at home.”
In the meantime the Udinese treatment room is starting to empty.
“[Tolgay] Arslan is fine. He was back in full training this week but he needs to get up to match fitness. He's an experienced, reliable player. I'm always happy when players return from injury because everyone is vital for the cause; everyone has their own set of skills and experience in their position.
“I'm happy that he and Beto have got another week of intense training in them. Beto spent a long time on the sidelines and for a big man like him it obviously takes a bit longer to reach peak fitness. He's a smashing lad though who works really hard. He did what he could in Milan but he's looked very relaxed this week. Let's not forget that injuries don't just affect you physically but mentally too.”
Destiny Udogie's transfer to Tottenham was announced this week but Sottil says he'll be counting on the full-back this season.
“He's an important player for this team. His pace and bursts forward are just the sort of thing I expect from my wing-backs."
Finally, the coach was asked about his son, Riccardo, who recorded an assist on his European debut for Fiorentina against Twente on Thursday.
“I spoke to him and I'm delighted for him. I know what he's capable of and I'm happy with what he's doing. He needs to keep it up. It will be very strange when we come face to face on opposite teams.”