THE INTERVIEW
He defined Samardzic’s goal as “a champion’s play”, he was favorably impressed by Beto’s movements and believes that Deulofeu will be able to offer the unpredictability needed by an organized team, like Gotti’s. Also for these reasons Pasquale Marino sees an important future for Udinese which saw the conquest of the Peak of La Spezia, where the Sicilian coach attempted to climb to Serie A in 2018-19, stopping at the play-offs.
Marino, what considerations did you draw from the challenge between your two former teams?
«Udinese confirmed the solidity of the team, daughter of the tactical organization and also of the physical structure, while the Ligurians are at the beginning of their path. It is true that Spezia went to the conclusion twenty times, but many of those shots came from afar, where it is not always easy to close, but Udinese conceded few clear chances. And this is becoming a constant ».
For Gotti and his boys it would be important to repeat themselves also with Napoli …
“It is true that Napoli have expressed an aggressive football and have reassembled Juve with rhythm and intensity, but now no team is still at their best, and if I look at the Udinese calendar with Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina, and I combine it with the 7 points in the standings, I believe that this is the ideal psychological condition to look for great performances without the hassle of scoring points at any cost ».
Let’s go back to what we saw at the Peak, where Gotti’s changes were decisive …
«Among the new players I was impressed by Beto, who despite his size made three plays as a pure striker, knowing how to attack the depth with speed and timing. In one of these he let the ball slip and he relaunched himself and then he put a great assist in the center for Makengo, on the occasion of the goal he won ».
Luckily Samardzic took care of it. By the way, what role would you see him in?
«In the meantime he entered as second striker in place of Deulofeu, and this is already indicative. I think he can also be a mezzala, but we need to know him as Gotti is doing. On the goal the boy played like a champion, like a real player, with that feint with which he seated two opponents before placing it with the right hand ».
Look, but with all these forwards do you think Gotti will change form by moving to the trident?
“No, because this 3-5-2 is a variable system that brings many players in attack, from the fifths in midfield to the inside, and then it’s difficult to change when things go well and the team already has the right density thanks to the work of the external who are added to the three central defensive and then also go up in attack. When he happens to have to win a match at any cost, or have to recover it, then Gotti will be able to choose between a trident or two attacking midfielders behind a striker ».
By the way, is there a striker who more than others will be able to affect?
“Deulofeu is the fictional player and with De Paul’s departure it is he who will always be able to create something from nothing, offering the unpredictability that such an organized team needs”.
Marino, what has the league said so far?
«That Milan play beautiful and organized football, with high pressure, just like Mourinho’s Roma, while Sassuolo has given continuity to De Zerbi’s work with Dionisi. I was struck by Napoli’s continuous exchange of positions in the median in Spalletti’s 4-2-3-1 and the search for play in amplitude with overlaps ».
Juve, on the other hand, is in crisis, maybe they will unlock in the Champions League …
«Ronaldo also packed the thirty annual goals he guaranteed, and Dybala must return to the one he was a few years ago. For the Champions League, I think Milan are more ready than the others, but let’s wait ».
Going down to B, Pordenone is in trouble.
“And it’s not the only one. This year the championship is very difficult, there are many teams aiming to win it and in the queue it is not known who to indicate for relegation ». –