Gabriele Cioffi admits ‘sometimes the wrong train takes you back to the right station’ after his triumphant return to Udinese with a surprise win over Milan.
The Friulani were without a win in 14 Serie A matches and crashed out of the Coppa Italia midweek in extra time to Cagliari.
They also fired coach Andrea Sottil last week to bring Cioffi back and he debuted with a 1-1 draw against Monza before this shock victory at San Siro.
“I saw a good attitude from the team in both the performances against Monza and Cagliari, but the bad luck we had there was repaid today with interest,” Cioffi told Sky Sport Italia.
“Neuhen Perez played like a champion today. Festy Ebosele had the right attitude today, it was not at all easy, but they all played with great intensity and the spirit of sacrifice.”
It took a Roberto Pereyra penalty to take the points, though Milan only threatened in stoppages with two big Marco Silvestri saves on Olivier Giroud and Alessandro Florenzi.
“It is how I see football, you have to take the game to the opponent. We had very few chances of success, but we had to come here and give it our best. I think we showed great courage, pride and showed some good football.
“We needed a night like this and I promised to dedicate it to the people of Udine.”
Cioffi left Udinese for Verona last season, he was fired early into that campaign, and returned to the club last week.
“Sometimes the wrong train takes you back to the right station. I am happy to be back here, to be at a club that knows what I am like, that loves me.”
Cioffi is from Florence, so was asked if he had any thoughts for the region that has been hit hard by flash floods over the last few days, leading to at least seven deaths.
“Football goes the way it does, but the staff and I came together before the game to pray for the people affected by all this, whether they are from Florence, Rome, Naples or anywhere. The water will flow away and people will act like it is over, but the pain of those who lost loved ones will remain.”