12 September 2014
New Udinese boss Andrea Stramaccioni says his men will look to sit back and soak up the pressure against the reigning Serie A champions tomorrow night at Juventus Stadium.
The 38-year-old showed plenty of ambition by deploying an attacking trident when he last visited Juventus Stadium as Inter boss in 2012, but insists a different strategy represents his team’s best bet this time around.
Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s departure for Turin, Stramaccioni said: “There’s no shame in saying that we’ll go there to defend, we’re up against one of the best sides in Europe. We’ll try and capitalise on any mistakes they make but we must avoid conceding. When Juventus score it’s usually game over.”
One threat Stramaccioni will be looking to utilise on the counter is evergreen club captain Antonio Di Natale, who followed up four goals in the Coppa Italia against Ternana with a brace during the Zebrette’s opening day Serie A win over Empoli.
Paying tribute to his impact, the tactician concluded: “He’s been crucial for me here. Not only is he a prolific finisher, he’s also a true professional who gives his all. He’s an example both on and off the field and proof that hard work reaps rewards.”
