Udinese Club Focus: Zebrette profit from Greek Euro-pa Bail out

Date: 25th February 2012 at 2:00am
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Thursday evening’s 3-0 victory away to PAOK in the Europa League might just have been the ‘kick start’ coach Francesco Guidolin has been looking for, if he is to get his team’s season back on track.

The Bianconeri have struggled badly of late with form and injuries and have lost three of their last five games. The previous weekend’s goaless draw with Cagliari would have done little to improve the mood around the club. No longer in the Champions league placings, the Friulani were risking a total capitulation had they been beaten by the modest Greek side after the 0-0 draw in the home leg. Fortunately, a good performance and goals from Danilo, Antonio Floro Flores and a penalty by Maurizio Domizzi ensured the Italians have a representative in the quarter finals of the competition.

Guidolin could not hide his delight after the win. He told the gathered media, “This is a victory to remember. To go through here was not easy and I want to congratulate the team. I want us to go as far as possible and hopefully we won’t have to deal with anymore injuries.

‘Il Guido’ reserved special praise for young forward Diego Fabbrini, whose huge potential has yet to be realised in the black and white shirt. “We’ve invested a lot of work and effort in Diego. I think this was by far his season’s best performance.

As intimated by the coach in his interview, the upturn in form did not help Udinese’s current misfortune with injury, as both Mehdi Benatia and Almen Abdi needed substituting for knocks. Moroccan centre back Benatia is expected to make it for the impending away game with Bologna but Abdi is a doubt. He sustained some heavy bruising and it will not be known till nearer match day whether the Swiss international will be available for selection.

However, despite these additions to an already busy treatment room, the Bianconeri could welcome back Antonio Di Natale with a quicker than anticipated return to the field. Still nursing a micro fracture of his toe sustained during the 2-1 defeat to AC Milan, the club captain might have recovered enough to be part of the squad. This would be an important boost to the team, who certainly struggle for goals when their top scorer is not in the starting line-up.

Whether or not the talismanic ‘Super Toto’ does get the call, Giampiero Pinzi and Emmanuel Badu will be watching from the stands. Along with long term absentee Mauricio Isla, the Udinese midfield will again be stretched and Guidolin will have to dig deep into his squad to create a coherent team to face the resurgent Rossoblu.

A top three finish is not yet out of sight for the Friulani. Whilst Lazio, who currently sit third in the standings, deal with incredible internal turmoil, an opportunity has presented itself for Udinese to take full advantage. The key will certainly be the early return of the evergreen Di Natale and an inspirational win away to Bologna.

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2 responses to “Udinese Club Focus: Zebrette profit from Greek Euro-pa Bail out”

  1. Jack Sargeant says:

    Best headline ever. I doff my cap, Enzo.

  2. Enzo Misuraca says:

    You are too kind Jack *blush*!!!