Andrea Sottil highlighted the fighting spirit of Udinese, their plan to face Lazio and the strong form of Gerard Deulofeu.
The Friulian side have been one of the surprises of the season so far, stringing together six consecutive wins, beating teams like Roma and Inter in the process. Udinese’s last outing was a tough 2-2 draw against Atalanta, another positive result for Sottil and his squad.
Speaking to Udinese’s media outlets (via LazioNews24), Sottil first discussed Udinese’s strong form this season.
I think we’re doing really well, I’m very satisfied with the improvements. We’ve grown a lot, today we have a clear identity and mentality acquired after great performances.
We had a great comeback result against Atalanta and we come from a week of great work, intense, and we’re ready for this match.
He commented on the team’s ability to pick up 13 points from losing situations this campaign.
A very important figure. It’s good, but we must also go ahead, not always behind. This team never gives up, they keep playing, thinking about scoring goals and being incisive, but it’s not always easy to come back.
We know that we have to be more concentrated and avoid conceding certain goals. We must try to go ahead and manage the game, playing to score and not defending, but with a different perspective of the game.
We must always be compact, short, give ourselves cover, these are our foundations in the defensive phase along with great sacrifice.
The Udinese coach gave his thoughts on Lazio and some of their key players.
A strong team, with important offensive numbers thanks to their fast forwards, who play proactive football, bringing many men forward when they attack. We’ll have to be good at turning things around and hurt them in the areas that I think Lazio can suffer.
It’s a very exciting match. The Biancocelesti have a very competitive collective and leading players inside. Milinkovic-Savic is a great midfielder, with excellent insertion skills. Up front they have Immobile, a modern striker who can shoot well with both feet.
We have to stay focused, but we come to this match determined. Udinese will have to play with great focus, with their heads attached to their bodies. We’re in great form, we meet a strong team but we’re aware that we have the qualities to hurt them.
Finally, Sottil spoke about Udinese talisman Deulofeu.
I see him every day, I had no doubt he would score. It’s normal that he wanted to score, but he was very satisfied and inside the project even before.
The goal against Atalanta came and I’m sure many more will come. It is the result of the collective, of this cohesion that is consolidating among the guys.
Lazio had two tough matches against Udinese last season, a 4-4 draw at home and a 1-1 draw away, and things look to be even more difficult this campaign.
I can read what sarri means when he says, and I know it’s not in this article, that he would like to see Lazio reach full potential. We don’t yet know how good this team can be so c’mon, show everyone why they should be shaking when the see our colours.