Di Natale hails Udinese unity
Udinese's Antonio Di Natale hailed the sense of togetherness at the club that saw them beat Liverpool in the Europa League despite only mustering one win prior to the game.
By ESPNSTAR.com staff
Udinese registered a shock 2-1 win over AC Milan at Stadio Fruli less than two weeks prior to Thursday's result but it was followed by two stalemates against Torino and Genoa.
The side, which finished in third place last season ahead of traditional heavyweights such as Roma, Napoli, Inter Milan and Lazio, are currently languishing in 15th place in the Serie A.
Di Natale, who scored in the game seconds after the restart, revealed that the club had never stopped believing in themselves and called the victory a great moment for the Udinese "family".
“It is a moment of great joy for our big family, because that’s what we are at Udinese,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“All of us, players, fans, coaching staff and club, are a big family and we wanted to do well here against an important team like Liverpool.
“The team played a great game against a prestigious club.”
The forward was also reported to have had a dressing room row with coach Francesco Guidolin last week. But it appears that the relationship between the two has been mended somewhat as Di Natale could be seen celebrating with the 57-year-old following his goal in a gesture that pleased the older Italian.
“Toto’s gesture was very kind, as he came to compliment me for what he heard in the locker room. At half-time I tried to bring out the best in myself to reassure the lads, who I had seen a little depressed and demoralised. We talked for five minutes in the dressing room and also changed the tactics, but did well to score after just 30 seconds," the manager revealed to Mediaset Premium.
“We played an excellent second half on a magical evening that gives us a real boost in terms of results and confidence.
“We have to focus on Napoli now and it will be very tough, but right now I am just so happy. I want to share this joy with my children, who live in England and I don’t get to see very often.”
Udinese are now in second place in Group A of the Europa League and should have a relatively easier outing against Swiss side Young Boys in their forthcoming fixture on October 25.