Andrea Sottil praised his team's never-say-die attitude and the squad's strength in depth as he addressed the media on the eve of Sunday's trip to the capital to face Lazio.
Udinese and Maurizio Sarri's side head into the Serie A Week 10 fixture level on 20 points in third place – a position the boss stressed was the result of hard work.
“I think we're doing incredibly well and I'm very pleased with the progress we've made. We've built a clear identity and mentality by producing some top performances.
“We got an excellent result after coming from behind against Atalanta and we've worked well and hard this week. We're ready for Lazio.”
The draw with Atalanta means Udinese have now earned 13 points from losing positions this season – more than any other team in Europe.
It's a great statistic,” Sottil commented. “It's nice but we have to try and take the lead sometimes – not always come from behind! This team never gives up. We never stop trying to score but it's not always easy to turn matches around.
“We have to be more alert if we want to avoid conceding certain goals. We have to try and score first and then control the game – which means always looking to score more, not just defend a lead. Obviously scoring first gives you a psychological advantage.”
The coach then acknowledged the merits of Sunday's opponents.
“Lazio are an excellent side who score lots of goals. They have fast, skilful forwards and get numbers forward when they attack.
“We must stay focused when we're defending and when we play on the counter – and try to hurt them where I think Lazio can be hurt. It's a big match and a big test for us.
“Lazio have a very strong squad with lots of leaders. [Sergej] Milinkovic-Savic is a top-class midfielder who's dangerous going forward. Up front they have [Ciro] Immobile, the prototype modern striker who can shoot with both feet.
“We'll need to keep calm and not lose our heads. We're in good shape physically and mentally. We know we're up against a great side but we also know we can cause them problems ourselves.
“I have lots of options in midfield with players who are capable of making a big entrance. I'll consider everything and make my final decisions at the hotel tonight. The lads are giving me quite a selection headache but I'm happy with that. They all know there are always two matches in one: one at the start and one midway through.”
Gerard Deulofeu opened his Serie A account for the campaign against Atalanta but Sottil insists he was never worried.
“I see him every day in training and I had no doubt he'd start scoring again. Obviously he's happy if he scores but he was totally happy before too. I'm sure there are many more goals to come from him. Goals are result of our team work and the team spirit in the camp.”
The coach also has the luxury of being able to mix up his attacking options.
“Beto and [Isaac] Success are both in good form. I always base my decisions on the two matches I mentioned before. They know they can be decisive coming off the bench – without forgetting [Ilija] Nestorovski. He's a player who has given us a hand and I'm sure will continue to do so.”