Udinese coach Andrea Stramaccioni has spoken following a 5-1 friendly victory against Slovenian side Celje, in which he tested several new introductions to the side.
Udinese are set to face Scudetto winners Juventus next weekend in a difficult test for the Friuli outfit although new coach Stramaccioni saw several improvements in the victory, which followed a 2-0 victory against Empoli in the Serie A opener.
“The test was definitely good for us as we wanted a challenging match but not one that was overly difficult,” the former Inter coach told Tuttomercatoweb.
“The match was played with good rhythm although some aspects were below standard but overall we approached the friendly like a competitive encounter.
“I could not use all the players available but I am very satisfied with the way the team played with personality and made it increasingly for them to approach our penalty area.”
The 38-year-old continued by discussing several additions to the Zebrette line up including former Roma defender Ivan Piris and youngster Alexis Zapata.
“Ivan Piris is a very reliable player on the right side and is very dangerous when he gets the ball into the box.
“With Gabriel Silva sidelined it is important to have several alternatives and we gave Pasquale a run out after he encountered a problem in the week.
“He trained well yesterday and today, and by Monday he will resume regular training within the rest of the players.
“Alexis Zapata is a very interesting youngster and I want him to remain in the first team because I really believe in him, however, he has to work and grow and then I will assess when the time is right to introduce him to the side.
“Thanks to the training and the work we are doing with him, he is developing physically and it is easy to see the progress he is making.
Stramaccioni concluded the interview by discussing next weekend’s tie against champions Juventus in Turin.
“We will face the champions of Italy that have not been weakened at all, contrary to what some people claim.
“They demonstrated their potential against Chievo although they are still adjusting to a change in coach.
“However, the international break penalises both sides as we will lose Badu until Friday”
Stramaccioni is in his first season with Udinese following a disappointing spell coaching Inter in the 2012-13 season.
