“We’re going into the international break with smiles on our faces.” Gabriele Cioffi spoke up following Udinese’s 1-1 draw against Atalanta at Bluenergy Stadium:
“Football is about moments. The lads did what I asked of them – to try to get a second. However, we were unlucky. Their last-gasp equaliser leaves a bitter taste in the mouth – even after so many positives. The players gave blood, sweat and tears. I really believe in these lads – otherwise I’d have taken a job in Saudi Arabia. We’re working hard to show what we’re made of.
“Our forwards will start scoring soon, and while their dry patch continues the rest of the lads will step up their game. Despite Isaac Success hitting the post with his penalty he gave his all. If a player wallows in this then their next will also hit the post – we’ll focus on the positives and that way goals will start coming. Isaac and Roberto Pereyra are our spot kick takers – they decided amongst themselves who’d take it.
“Martin Payero played a blinder, as did Sandi Lovric, Festy Ebosele and Joao Ferreira. If we approach games with humility our quality will naturally manifest itself.
“I set up my team based on my players’ characteristics. I can’t ask Success to run in behind – he’s one of the best in the country at being a team player. The flank players like Payero and Pereyra are the ones tasked with penetrating.”