Udinese Coach Andrea Stramaccioni says that the Coppa Italia is a real priority for them, as he reflects on disappointing League form.
The Zebrette will be facing Napoli tomorrow evening to determine who will qualify for the Coppa quarter-finals.
However, the Coach is a little irritated by the fact that their next Serie A rivals, Empoli, played their own Coppa Italia match two days before them.
Udinese Coach Andrea Stramaccioni says that the Coppa Italia is a real priority for them, as he reflects on disappointing League form.
The Zebrette will be facing Napoli tomorrow evening to determine who will qualify for the Coppa quarter-finals.
However, the Coach is a little irritated by the fact that their next Serie A rivals, Empoli, played their own Coppa Italia match two days before them.
“The important thing about rules is that they should be defined in advance,” said Stramaccioni in his pre-match Press conference, as reported by Tuttoudinese.it.
“I'm just a bit bothered that Empoli have an extra two days of rest compared to us, it's clearly a handicap in their favour. But we'll play one game at a time.
“We're keen on the Coppa Italia. Napoli are going through a good moment, but Udinese can beat anyone in a single game. We'll give them a match, we can trouble them.
“As for player turnover, at the moment we have limited options. We care about the Coppa, it's an objective that will lead us to play for it to the death.
“There won't be many changes, on the contrary. We'll have to figure out who can make it. The single elimination game lets us honour the event with our best formation according to the available players.
“[Ivan] Piris took a blow to his knee and hasn't been training for two days. We lost Maurizio [Domizzi] for the trouble he has with his ankle.
“[Igor] Bubjnic is suspended and we have an emergency in the defence too. If Piris doesn't make it back on time, we'll be without our third central defender.
“Our draw against Cagliari [2-2 last Sunday] was the most bitter match. We really wanted to reach the championship's midway line on 26 points and we deserved it.
“But the result is given by the pitch, and luck must be directed. You must learn from your mistakes so you don't make them again.
“We have a tough game tomorrow and on Monday, too. But we have to start over. We have great personality, let's not lose that.”
Stramaccioni was also asked about Antonio Di Natale, who's rumoured to be leaving and playing abroad after this season.
“He's coming with us. I spoke with him and he's available.
“We have a reciprocal relationship, we care about him and about his condition of form. He may not start from the first moment, but if necessary he'll be there.
“He's always been available with me, and looking to serve Udinese.”