Udinese is preparing for the difficult challenge against league leaders Napoli and coach Kosta Runjaic is asking his men to show character: "Napoli have more physicality than us and always cover more kilometres than our opponents. They bring density and quality to the pitch, so we will have to be intense and compact to take home some points", the coach declared in a press conference.
Runjaic stresses the need for a team game to limit dangers: "We can't think of stopping players like Neres and Politano just with one-on-ones. We'll have to work as a team and communicate well on the pitch." On the injury front, good news for Giannetti and Ehizibue, who are back at disposal, while Davis was stopped by a flu attack and will not be in the game. Sanchez, on the other hand, will start from the bench: "He trained very well, but he knows he doesn't have the status of a regular starter. For us he is a leader, he must demonstrate it also with his mentality and behavior."
Runjaic says he is excited about his first time at the Maradona Stadium: “They told us that it will be a special atmosphere, to be fully experienced. It will require maximum concentration”. No preview on the form, but the certainty that the compactness of the group will be decisive: “We played both three and four in defense, but cohesion will count more than the system. We will have to be solid at the back and make the most of the opportunities.” Finally, the technician reiterates that his Udinese does not start defeated: "Napoli are the favorites, but football is unpredictable. If we give it our all, we can do it. We are not here to give away points."
Article published on 7 February 2025 - 18:25
