“Coming back here is exactly how I expected it. This team has a lot of potential but there’s a lot of work to be done. It’s a challenge that both the staff and the players will overcome.”
Gabriele Cioffi has never shied away from a challenge, and he had no intention of starting now.
“There’s work to do. We’ve got to be consistent and believe. We need to analyse our mistakes because the points that have an impact are the ones that are missing.”
The mistakes to analyse include the two penalties conceded to Sassuolo, the third and fourth in a row after those conceded to Hellas Verona and Inter. “That’s how you create undue fear, even if you’ve played well in the match. The penalty awarded to Verona was because the ball touched an arm. It was in a natural position. We don’t need to look at that. I don’t need to comment on the penalty awarded to Inter now.”
The coach had a different opinion on the penalties awarded to the Emilians. “The first was a naïve mistake and is part of a learning curve. Christian Kabasele’s mistake was down to naivety but also because he was too generous. It’s half and half.
“Joao Ferreira’s return for Saturday’s match will up the intensity and competition. That’s something that can force you to make a difference when you’re not getting results.”
“Nehuen Perez has done very well as a centre-back, so I think he’ll stay there.”
“The fact Martin Payero has been suspended isn’t a problem. Whoever covers for him will do well. Sandi Lovric played a great game against Sassuolo. He’s overcome some difficulties; he’s shown he’s in it.”
When asked about how likely it is that Lazar Samardzic will play tomorrow, Cioffi said, “there’s a chance. He’s motivated. He can’t not be”.
“Oier Zarraga is a player that passes. He could cover Walace in less physical matches. Against Torino, he’d struggle but we’ve got to be ready for everything.”
Jordan Zemura has also been ruled out due to injury. “He picked up a nasty knee injury against Roma. He should be recovered for the game against Bologna. It’s not as bad as it could have been. He risked being out for a while.”
One winger out, another returns. “Kingsley Ehizibue is coming back after being out for a long time due to injury. His return creates more competition on the right, and he might spur the others on to last five more minutes before giving up.”
That competition in training could lead to a partnership between Lorenzo Lucca and Isaac Success.
“I’ve got this idea in my head. I’m waiting for the best moment to put everything together but it’s one of the options I have at my disposal. We’ll see the usual, aggressive, physical Udinese. We’re growing and we know where we want to go. The performances have been there but if I was a fan and I heard the coach say everything is going well, I’d wonder what he’s on about. We’re in a rough patch at the moment but we’re on the right course.”