Ahead of their trip to Empoli on Monday evening, Udinese coach Andrea Stramaccioni has insisted that their extra-time exertions against Napoli midweek in the Coppa Italia will not affect his players, and expects them to leave with three points.
With veteran striker Antonio Di Natale going back to the club he left the Zebrette for in 2004 the former Inter boss refused to heap more praise on the prolific marksmen but seemed to indicate he wants him to extend his career in Udine.
“Empoli are the revelation of the season and it has highlighted many of their players. I really like Verdi,” Stramaccioni told the press.
“Hopefully the game on Thursday does not affect the match tomorrow.
“The referee errors should not affect us, we have to fight until the last second to win for the shirt.
“We missed out on the victory, we have great desire to rectify that and we will try to make it right from the next match.
“I will not add to the many positive comments regarding Di Natale. I see very well [what he can do] and I hope he is my captain while I’m here.
“Di Natale is fit and I am convinced that tomorrow we will do well because he has great desire.
“Gabriel Silva is finding the best condition, the ups and downs are normal but I am very pleased with him. [Nabil] Jaadi has exploited a moment of emergency of our attack but has the features that will be useful.
“With the referees we were unlucky but I honestly believe that they were only errors that can happen.”
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