Luca Gotti confirms Udinese’s 1-1 draw away to Atalanta went to plan, as his tactics tied up the hosts and kept them in it for the final flourish.
The Friulani secured a third consecutive Serie A stalemate, Beto on target for the third game running, nodding in a Lazar Samardzic corner in stoppages to cancel out the Ruslan Malinovskyi left-foot rocket.
It was a surprisingly even game in Bergamo, as both sides hit the woodwork in the first half with Nahuel Molina and Josip Ilicic.
“We probably could’ve scored earlier. The good thing is we stayed in the game to the end,” Gotti told Sky Sport Italia.
“The first half went the way we prepared, allowing Atalanta few spaces and making the most of the spaces they let for us. I thought we could’ve taken our chances better.
“We conceded that goal that started from a throw-in and at that stage it was crucial to avoid conceding again, stay in the running to the end, which is what we did.
“We weren’t sharp enough and could’ve hurt Atalanta more, but in terms of effort and concentration, I have no complaints.
“I am also glad Beto is finding consistency in front of goal, but the thing that really bodes well for the future is he’s a really good person who works hard.”
Nahuel Molina is usually a right-back, but he was playing in the trident attack of a 3-4-3 today and also hit the woodwork.
“It was a tactical decision. I discussed it with the lad, we tried to mirror Atalanta, put in more determination, fight and pace for individual duels. I told Molina to enjoy himself, have absolute freedom, go forward and attack, not to worry about defensive duties.”