New Udinese Coach Massimo Oddo makes his debut against Serie A leaders Napoli. “I asked my players to have courage.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The former Pescara tactician stepped in after Gigi Del Neri was fired earlier this week and has the toughest possible opening fixture.
New Udinese Coach Massimo Oddo makes his debut against Serie A leaders Napoli. “I asked my players to have courage.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The former Pescara tactician stepped in after Gigi Del Neri was fired earlier this week and has the toughest possible opening fixture.
“We are not going out there to perform experiments or warm up for the next match. There are three points up for grabs and we’ll try to give our best,” said Oddo in his Press conference.
“Napoli will have to work hard if they want the victory here. Our campaign is made up of 38 rounds and each one is worth three points, no more and no less. Of course Napoli are the favourites tomorrow, but that won’t stop us pushing for the result.
“No team is perfect and Napoli have a weak spot that we will try to make the most of. I want the courage to be aggressive, but also balanced.
“My first impressions have been good and I intend to put the players in the positions where they give their best. It’s hard enough to settle with a new Coach, so my indications will be simple and clear.
“I asked my players to have courage and to give everything we’ve got. Inevitably, there aren’t many tactical changes that can be made in just three days, so the first impact will be a psychological one.”
Albano Bizzarri is suspended in goal, so Simone Scuffet plays, while Valon Behrami and Emil Hallfredsson are out injured. Jens Stryger Larsen is also a huge doubt.
“Scuffet is doing well and understands he is capable of overcoming difficult situations.”
Udinese squad for Napoli: Borsellini, Gasparini, Scuffet; Angella, Bochniewicz, Samir, Danilo, Nuytinck, Ali Adnan, Stryger, Pezzella, Widmer; Balic, Barak, De Paul, Fofana, Ingelsson, Jankto, Pontisso; Bajic, Lasagna, Maxi Lopez, Matos, Perica