Speaking after Udinese's 1-0 loss to Union Berlin on Saturday, coach Andrea Sottil described the encounter as "tough" as his side faced off against a "strong, physical and rough" outfit.
"We knew it was going to be like that – it wasn't a good match from a technical perspective. We could have done better but, in terms of attitude, we were tough when it was required of us," he said.
"We tried to capitalise on the few chances we had. It was a pity to concede off a throw-in, but the team remained compact and fought until the end."
According to the coach, the friendly rounded off an initial period of "very good work" for his squad.
"We got more minutes in our legs, but we are not satisfied because we did not win."
Beto was sent off during the game, while Jaka Bijol and Domingos Quina were both taken off as a precaution, after what the coach hopes is "nothing serious".
A positive note was the substitute appearance from Christian Kabasele, who Sottil describes as an "important player" for his team.
"He has played in the Premier League for many years, he presented himself well, determined and focused. It's not easy to come off the bench after a only few days of training – it shows he's willing to take responsibility," the coach says.