After watching his team clinch a superb win at Juventus, Gabriele Cioffi was stressed that the seeds of Udinese's victory were sown not in the last few days but in the previous weeks when results weren't coming.
“The lads were incredibly determined today. They responded as a team – not as individuals.
“I'm pleased with the way they kept plugging away after matches in which we conceded a late equaliser or lost despite controlling the game. Their commitment never wavered. They've always started the week believing in themselves and that's the best response.
“These three points give us a bit of breathing space but there's still a long way to go.”
The boss had high praise for recent recruit Lautaro Giannetti – and not just for scoring the decisive goal in Turin.
“He's given us a bit of what we needed: calm and focus in those final minutes where we've conceded on other occasions. His experience and mentality helped us keep up the same level for all 95 minutes.”