Andrea Sottil admits he was wrong to argue with the Milan penalty retake and hails Udinese for their 3-1 victory. ‘Something changed since the game with Atalanta, I sense their courage and enjoyment.’
The Rossoneri had managed to briefly equalise with a Zlatan Ibrahimovic penalty, which had to be taken again due to encroachment, both decisions that infuriated Sottil to the degree that he was shown a straight red card for dissent.
“This is a joke, you are all ridiculous, you are shameful,” were just some of the things Sottil was heard saying after the dismissal as he was taken away from the touchline.
The penalty itself raised a few questions, as Rafael Leao seemed to kick it onto Jaka Bijol’s arm and above all the referee had seen the incident, waving away appeals, until he changed his mind following the VAR review.
“The rules are clear on encroachment, the lads know that if they touch the ball and encroached, it has to be taken again. Beto went instinctively to touch it, he should’ve just let it go out for a throw-in.
“I am disappointed, as I was unable to sit on the bench for the entire second half. Perhaps I was a bit fiery, but I didn’t insult anyone and went to clarify with the fourth official later.”
Incredibly, this is the second time this season that Marco Silvestri has saved a penalty only for it to be retaken due to encroachment.
The Friulani had not won a home match in Serie A since an identical 3-1 result against the other team from San Siro, Inter, on September 18.
That was followed by six draws and two defeats, until this victory over Milan thanks to Roberto Pereyra’s early goal, Beto and then a Kingsley Ehizibue tap-in at the back post.
“The lads wanted this, as we have to earn our results through the performances. Focus on the details and individual incidents make all the difference. Something changed since the game with Atalanta, I could sense their courage and enjoyment in training, so today we decided to take Milan on openly and I was absolutely sure it was the right approach with two strikers and two attacking wingers.
“I think we caused Milan a lot of problems, the lads were extraordinary tonight and fully deserved the victory.”
Lazar Samardzic has broken into the Udinese first team regularly now and set up the opening goal with his run and assist.
“Samardzic will become a champion. He has this technique, talent, a great shot, he anticipates moves so well, we are working with him on improving the intensity of his football. He listens to advice, is eager to make his mark and will go far.”
Simone Pafundi is the young talent of the Udinese youth academy, but despite being called up for the senior Italy squad, he can’t seem to get any playing time at club level.
“He is a kid, born in 2006, who last season only played in the youth team. We rewarded him in the last game of the season with a debut against Salernitana. This term he is part of the squad, there is an important project around him at this club and I am helping to protect him, to let him grow in a relaxed environment.
“I agree that he is an asset for Italian football and for Udinese, but there are players with more experience in the side and he needs patience. We are very happy he is called up to the Nazionale, but he was born in 2006 and we don’t want to rush things. Roberto Mancini called him, I won’t argue with that, he must’ve had his reasons, we continue our approach going through these various steps.”