Ahead of Napoli’s visit to Dacia Arena at 20:45 on Monday evening, coach Luca Gotti spoke to Udinese TV to give his appraisal of the team’s current form.
Could the excellent start to the season give the team a boost heading into the Napoli match?
“We have to be aware of the quality that has allowed us to start off with seven points from three games, but we must face Napoli with the same desire as if we had no points on the board. That’s the key.”
The usual things. Udinese have done well at home to the top teams in the last two seasons. What will be the key to making it hard for Spalletti’s side?
“When you face the top sides, it’s always important to run hard, be aggressive and not be scared of playing your game.”
Do you expect them to be tired after their Europa League opener against Leicester?
“No, not at all. Normally there are no repercussions in the second game. Fatigue might come into play in their third match. Napoli will then have a fourth game in a short space of time in the Europa League. They’ll probably head into that one with some fatigue in the squad.”
Have you thought of a specific ploy to thwart Osimhen, a player you touted to become a star in Serie A some time ago?
“I saw him play before he joined Napoli, both for Lille and Nigeria. He’s a player who I felt would be a top signing for Napoli and Serie A straight away. Injury restricted him somewhat last year, but he’s now showcasing all his qualities. I have the same feeling now about [Tammy] Abraham at Roma. They are excellent forwards to find space who you can’t give an inch to, but they have the ability to find space themselves.”
Will your team selection tomorrow take into consideration the run of three games in six days, with Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina on the horizon?
“No, I’m just thinking about tomorrow’s game.”
What’s the latest team news? Ilija Nesterovski and Destiny Udogie are out. Isaac Success and Jens Stryger Larsen were struck down with gastroenteritis in the week, but they’ve been back in group training. How are they doing?
“It’s been a tough week for the pair of them. Larsen almost certainly will be involved. Success, however, almost definitely won’t be.”
We’ve often spoken about quality youngsters joining the club, but Marco Silvestri has performed straight away in goal and made a big impact on and off the pitch. He’s settled in straight away as a leader. He revealed that he has a great relationship with you and that soon before he signed for the club, you congratulated him on the birth of his second child. What have you made of the impact he’s had?
“The position of goalkeeper is special and delicate in terms of emotional balance. Joining Udinese after the three seasons that Juan Musso had here isn’t easy. I’m extremely pleased that the whole club and the city in broader terms have managed to appreciate the qualities that this lad has straight away, and how fantastic and mature he is, both as a goalkeeper and as a person.”
Last one about the fans: Dacia Arena is almost sold out tomorrow. Thanks to the fantastic start, the atmosphere is wonderful at the moment. Could that be a key factor tomorrow?
“I don’t know. I can say one thing which has made me think a lot in the last few days. So many people of a similar age to me have told me that they’ve gone back into the Curva for the first time in many years to watch games and to soak up that atmosphere once again.
“This is all thanks to the fact that we have Dacia Arena which is a jewel and ever since it was built, fans have wanted to go and watch games sitting anywhere because the view is excellent everywhere. People are going back into the Curva to relive that atmosphere and I must stress how there are many female fans as well. It’s a wonderful thing.”