Udinese technical director Gianluca Nani spoke to Retesport on the eve of the match against Roma , scheduled for tomorrow at 18pm. The Friulian manager acknowledged his team's difficulties , underlining the Giallorossi's performance and the work done by Gian Piero Gasperini , who in his opinion is achieving extraordinary results.
During the interview, Nani also dwelt on Nicolò Zaniolo , spending words of great appreciation for the technical and human qualities of the former Roma player.
Nani: "Zaniolo is a top player"
What kind of match will tomorrow be? Udinese's difficulties?
"Honestly, I still can't explain what's happening. Aside from the shameful performance in Lecce, we've also had good performances against Inter, Lazio, and elsewhere. We think we're a good team, and we know we're facing a very tough match, because Roma have found a strong balance, with Gasperini producing extraordinary results. We'll be facing an extraordinary team. It's a match that comes at the wrong time; a near miracle will be needed right now. Last year, we beat the big teams, including Roma, but we were at our best physically and mentally. We're not 100% at the moment, but we have the quality."
What kind of match will Udinese play? Is your team very physical?
"I can't spoil everything we'll do now (laughs). We'll try to emulate David and Goliath, using our strengths against an objectively superior team. We'll definitely have to avoid some defensive distractions that have occurred in recent games."
Zaniolo?
He's a top player, and I can assure you that he's also a great guy on a human level, despite certain narratives. He's a guy who also lives by instinct, with great energy on the pitch. He's a great professional, he sets an example in the locker room, he encourages his teammates, and he wants to win on the pitch. I've had the fortune of working with great players like Baggio, Guardiola, and Toni. Niccolò has similar qualities; he returned to Parma after just a few training sessions and the ball was singing at his feet. I wish him all the best for us and for the national team.
What do you think of Fabio Petruzzi?
He never scored, but he could read the play a quarter of an hour in advance, and he had incredible speed. He didn't have that incredible physicality, but he was formidable when anticipating the play, and in a three-man line, he was protected by the wingers, and he opened up the play well. Fabio is unquestionable; I'd put him in my top 11 ideal team. I remember when Mazzone would sometimes call him back because Petruzzi would push forward with great spirit, and the coach would call him off the bench and say, 'How many goals have you scored in your career? Where are you going?'"
Was there ever a chance to come and work in Rome?
"No direct contact, beyond some journalistic speculation. My career is still long, the best is yet to come."
