New Udinese coach Andrea Stramaccioni has spoken to the media ahead of Sunday evening’s Serie A opener against Empoli at the Stadio Friuli and highlighted the importance of young goalkeeper Simone Scuffet.
The Zebrette finished 13th last season but are looking to improve after coach Francesco Guidolin left after a successful four year year spell in Udine, which included several qualifications for the Uefa Europa league.
“We have a plan for Scuffet, just as Udinese have done for several of its young players,” former Inter coach Stramaccioni told the press
“I have talked about him to Antonio Conte and we agree that his position should be protected.
Stramaccioni went on to comment on the Bianconeri striking options and the club’s reliance on veteran forward Antonio Di Natale.
“I do not think there is anything wrong with being dependent on Di Natale as our goal is to play strikers capable of scoring.
“As for Luis Muriel, I want him to to focus on what he can do on the field, he is a talented player with his head and feet.
“If Empoli can achieve 60% in Serie A of what they did in Serie B last season they will be the revelation of the campaign.”
38-year-old Stramaccioni is entering his second season as a coach in Serie A after an unsucessful spell at Inter during the 2012-13 season.
