Florian Thauvin was unsurprisingly named man of the match after his eye-catching display in the 4-1 win against Catanzaro. The Frenchman, who struggled to find form and fitness last season following a January move, has hit the ground running this year – teeing up Sandi Lovric for the opener on Friday evening before nonchalantly firing home Udinese’s third from the spot.
“We all played really well against organised opponents,” the striker commented after the game. “We worked hard this week with our manager and coaching staff so we could take on this challenge. Now we’re concentrating on our first Serie A match.”
The 30-year-old remained modest about his own contribution to the victory.
“I’m happy to have played my part. I work hard to be at this level, and I thank my team-mates for helping me to play well.”
Asked about his assist for Lovric, Thauvin explained: “It was instinctive - you can’t think about it. I feinted a shot and saw that he was free. I thought it was better to pass the ball to him for the first goal. It was important to open up the game.”
Udinese’s other two goals came from Beto and Lorenzo Lucca and that can only be good for the team, says Thauvin.
“It’s important for strikers to be confident on the pitch. I’m happy that they scored. It raises the bar for everyone.
“I have a target that I want to achieve in terms of goals and assists, but I won’t tell you what it is! I want the team to win and that’s what I’m going to work for.”