Francesco Guidolin warned it will take “a super Udinese”” data-scaytid=”27″>Udinese” to end Roma’s run of three wins on the bounce in this evening’s Serie A game.
Francesco Guidolin warned it will take “a super Udinese” to end Roma’s run of three wins on the bounce in this evening’s Serie A game.
The Giallorossi have been in sparkling form, but have traditionally struggled at the Stadio Friuli. Click here for a match preview of the tie which kicks off at 19.45 GMT.
“We think that we can put in a good performance, despite the players who are missing. It is within our capabilities,” said the Coach.
He has to do without Andrea Lazzari, Giampiero Pinzi, Giovanni Pasquale and Marco Davide Faraoni. Roma do not have Marquinhos, Miralem Pjanic, Mattia Destro or the suspended Michael Bradley.
“The Roma project is very interesting. They have a squad of experienced players with great quality, like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi, along with a considerable number of talented youngsters,” continued Guidolin.
“In the last few weeks they have changed under Aurelio Andreazzoli, but Roma were strong before and they are strong now. The fact they are within three points of Udinese shows we have done well too.
“Roma are among the candidates for a Champions League spot and I can see them improving a great deal over the next few months.”
The Friulani finished fourth last season and lost in the Champions League play-offs, while they rotated the squad in a disappointing Europa League stint.
“I do not feel the pressure, as I am used to it. I was Coach of Palermo for nearly four years, so if I can survive there, I can survive anywhere!
“We must face Roma with concentration and determination, aware that a single error could be decisive. It will take a super Udinese to win this.
“We have made the first fundamental step for a team like Udinese by securing safety. Now we will try to continue without making calculations.
“Udinese know full well what our strengths and weaknesses are. We are a team that renews constantly, we did it again this year and that means a lack of experience. The fans look at the reality of the situation.”
Antonio Di Natale has scored 15 Serie A goals this season despite a five-match drought, but said he won’t be in the running for the Capocannoniere title.
“Totò is Totò,” smiled Guidolin. “He is a hitman and never gives up. I don’t need to motivate him. He has a certain age, but think about Totti and Ryan Giggs. When you have quality and class, those are the most important resources in the sport. There is room and a lot of time for all of them yet.”
Udinese squad for Roma: Brkic, Padelli, Pawlowski; Angella, Basta, Danilo, Domizzi, Heurtaux, Gabriel Silva; Allan, Badu, Campos Toro, Merkel, Pereyra, Rodriguez; Di Natale, Maicosuel, Muriel, Ranegie, Zielinski