15-02-2010
“40 points as soon as possible”
Francesco Lodi: “Our current position in the table does not belong to us. In Milan we did not manage to handle the match and they overtook us”.
Francesco Lodi hit the San Siro pitch last Friday for only half an hour and when (“with”?) only 5 minutes to go, he served Di Natale with a perfect assist our captain turned into a goal: “We can overcome this impasse, I know. Consider last Friday’s game: when you are able to score twice against Milan, it does mean something. It is also true we were inaccurate sometimes, and if we lost, it is our fault. It is not about the defence, or the midfield: we are 11 men hitting the pitch plus three substitutes a match. We can all improve and give our contribution”. 24 points in the table plus one rearranged (“rescheduled”?) match still to be played: from now on every match becomes fundamental. “We have to collect 40 points as soon as possible. We know the next away match is a tough game, but now we have no excuses, we have to do our best to win every single match”. What Udinese need is: “More concentration, more determination. Our current position in the table, (no comma) does not belong to us. At the San Siro, we litteraly (“literally”?) surrendered to Milan for the whole first half, but we only conceded one goal. As for the second half, we starter (“started”?) well, but we again conceded a goal on a dead ball situation. We did not manage to handle the match and they overtook us”. The bianconeri (“Bianconeri”?) are facing Genoa , on Saturday 20 at 18,00 at the Luigi Ferraris: “Genoa lost this Sunday, and they will fight hard to win. We are both motivated and strong teams, we are both going to play at the highest level”. The Neapolitan midfielder is Udinese’s assist men: “I am at the coach’s disposal, and i (“I”?) hope i (“I”?) can give my contribution. Totò is really giving me a hand, this morning he phoned me to tell me to be prepared and concentrated because the team need (“needs”?) everyone to be ready. I hope I can help him score some more goals”.
21-02-2010
“Watching Udinese on tv was a suffering (literal translation of: “Era una sofferenza”?)”
Pasquale Marino: “We have to overcome this impasse: be more aggressive on the pitch and improve the non- possession of the ball phase”
It was General Director Sergio Gasparin to welcome coach Pasquale Marino back: “First of all I want to thank Gianni De Biasi and his Staff (“staff”?) for their job. Our position in the table speaks for itself, it is a difficult moment, this is why during the night we decided to call coach Marino and his Staff (“staff”?) back”. The match against Cagliari before the Christmas break - then called off because of the snow- was meant to be Pasquale Marino’s last game. And he is back in Udine right on the eve of the same rearranged (“re-scheduled”?) game: “For this reason, it is a meaningful match for me. I want to thank Udinese for calling me back, I can only say I am doing my best to overcome this impasse. No time to recall the past, I only want to get back to work”. Coach Marino has remained in Friuli during these last months: “I have lived between Udine and Marsala, and the Friulians have always given me great support and affection during these months away from the bench. It was a suffering (“Era una sofferenza…”) for me to watch Udinese on Tv. We unfairly lost to Inter, Atalanta and Palermo. Then again against Atalanta, Sanchez and Floro Flores got injured. Well, we have been unlucky”. The injured players have compromised Udinese’s offensive sector: “It would be difficult for any team to do without the 50% of their offensive potential”. Marino will work a lot under the psychological point of view: “It is fundamental to make my men be more conscious about their potential and their means. We have to be more aggressive on the pitch and to improve the non-possession of the ball phase”. What about the physical aspect?: “The injured players have counted a lot, and the whole squad had to face the consequences”. The bianconeri (aren’t adjectives in English higher case?) concede too many goals: “When you are under pressure and you have a less clear mind, you make mistakes more easily. It is not easy to train concentration and attention, they should come naturally talking (??) with the team and working together. We will look for the best solution together. I am here to face this impasse and overcome it to help Udinese remain in (“the”?) Serie A”. What did you tell your men upon entering the dressing room again? “I told everyone off, because they made me angry while I was enjoying my holidays (laughs). The guys were upset and discouraged, so I reminded them all we are privileged people because our job is just fantastic, and that I want to see them play light-hearted. Winning a match is the best remedy for this dead point” (??). General Director Sergio Gasparin concluded: “Udinese embodies (here Udinese is 3rd person, in many other cases it’s 2nd person??) values everybody can mirror in. We can overcome this impasse altogether. We will get to our objective taking inspiration from the values of this region” (what bullshit!!!!).
28-02-2010
“Against Inter we have always played great matches”
Pasquale Marino: “Probably the best match last year at the Stadio Friuli”
Coach Marino analyzes Udinese’s situation: “The win against Cagliari has pushed our team spirit and motivation forward”.
But now against (“the”?) league leader, the situation gets critical: “Inter has had two great seasons. Last year against them at the Friuli stadium we played a great match, even if we lost in the end”
Inter have an excellent offensive sector: “Balotelli, Pandev, Sneijder, Milito… they have so many names to choose (“from”?), these are players who can score at any time. Our defence must be prepared to stop them. It is true they have some banned (or “red-carded” or “suspended”?) players, but it doesn’t mean much to a team that can boast a high level line up”.
What tactical module are you going to choose? “It is unimportant. The important thing is to hit the pitch from the first minute having a positive mental attitude. We are a versatile team, our module will change according to the need”.
A word about the controversies (“surrounding”?) about the refereeing : “When it is a big team to be wronged (???), then the echo is louder”.
26-02-2010
BANCA POPOLARE DI VICENZA CO-SPONSOR FOR (“OF”?) UDINESE CALCIO
Interview to (“with”?) Samuele Sorato, General Director of Banca Popolare di Vicenza
Banca Popolare di Vicenza, co-sponsor for (“of”) Udinese – Inter, Udinese – Chievo and Udinese - Bologna. Banca Popolare di Vicenza, founded in Vicenza in 1866, is today the 9th biggest bank group in Italy, with its 650 bank-branches, more than 5.000 (“5,000”?) personnel, and almost 60.000 (“60,000”?) partners.
We have met, (no comma here) Samuele Sorato, 50, the bank’s General Director since 2008.
What is the mission of the Bank?
We are an authentic people’s bank, our aim is to support families and workers, and being up-to-date as for the services and products we offer.
What about the relationship with Friuli?.
In Friuli we have 70 bank-branches and 400 employees. Friuli Venezia Giulia has a great potential and we want to invest on (“in”?) its peculiarities.
What is the bank doing to support the customers during this period of crisis?
We have allowed more credit: 2,5 billion (“2.5”?) euros more in 2009 and in 2010. Moreover, we have suspended the payment of loan instalments:18 months for families, and for the next 12 months for companies. We bear clear in mind the ethic and social role a bank should have.
What is the relationship between Banca Popolare di Vicenza and Udinese Calcio?
We have been at the Club’s side for a long time. We share the same values, such as respect, fairness, and team spirit. These are the values that usually inspire the sports world and have always guided our job here at Banca Popolare di Vicenza.
Which team do you support?
I like football and sports in general….my favourite team is Banca Popolare di Vicenza!
26-02-2010
“Milito public enemy number 1”
Cristian Zapata: “I don’t trust the Nerazzurri: despite their many absentee (“missing”?) players, they are a top level team”
Udinese is getting ready to face league leader at home after the providential (??) win against Cagliari: “On Wednesday we really played well, Jeda’s goal could have discouraged us, but we reacted and even if it wasn’t easy we played an extraordinary second half and we defeated Cagliari. We deserved the win, and fought hard for it”.
The Nerazzurri are playing at the Friuli stadium without many important players, all banned (“suspended”?): Samuel, Cordoba, Cambiasso and Muntari : “They can count on a high level line-up. It doesn’t matter if the players above are banned: Materazzi, Motta and Mariga are ready to hit the pitch. After their success against Chelsea for (“in”?) the Champions League, then, we will easily see sparks fly on Sunday. They are playing at their top level, and so are we, it doesn’t matter (“that”?) Inter is the league leader”.
Milito, Eto’o, Pandev and Balotelli, here is Inter’s offensive sector: “They could score at any time, really. Milito is public enemy number one, in my opinion”.
The Bianconeri have their ace, though: Totò di (“Di Natale”?) Natale. Top scorer with his 18 goals.: “He is our reference point. We want to give him a hand to score some more goals…”.
01-03-2010
Ticket sale (“sales”?) for Atalanta-Udinese: Settore Ospiti (???)
The tickets for the Serie A match Atalanta-Udinese, scheduled for Sunday 7 March at the “Atleti Azzurri d’Italia” stadium in Bergamo are on sale. The tickets (“that are”?) available are for the Settore Ospiti (Visitors) and cost 14,00 euros per ticket.
Here are the authorized Listicket retailers in Udine:
- TABACCHERIA COVASSI, VIA PIO VITTORIO FERRARI N. 6 0432 403197
33100 UDINE
- STAZIONE FERROVIARIA INTERNO STAZIONE VIALE EUROPA UNITA N 54 - 33100 UDINE
- TABACCHI MORETTI VIA MERCATO VECCHIO N. 33 0432505734 - 33100 UDINE
“Against Palermo, we must impose our will and control the game.”
Juan Cuadrado: “Miccoli: (“Palermo’s most dangerous player”?) the most dangerous player in Palermo. We must not allow him any freedom of movement”
Juan Guillermo Cuadrado arrived in Udine last summer from Colombia; since then, he has been working hard and little by little he has gained his place in (“on”?) the squad: he got the chance to play against Inter and Atalanta from the first minute: “Every game is difficult. I personally liked the way I played against (“the”?) league leader. I still have to work hard to improve, although the coach is always very supportive to (“of”?) me”.
Delio Rossi’s Palermo has gained nine points out of the last three matches, and has won eight home games in a row, plus some really good away wins: they defeated Milan and Juventus. “They are going through a positive moment. We need to win, to get three points to get away from the relegation zone. In order to do this, we must impose our will and control (“on”?) the game. The defence, the midfield and the front line must fight together”.
At the Stadio Friuli, enemy number 1 will be Fabrizio Miccoli, with his 10 goals since the beginning of the season: “He is a high quality (“high-quality”?) player. He can be very dangerous: we don’t have to allow him any freedom of movement on the pitch”.
14-03-2010
“Football is the most exciting sport in the world”
Guglielmo Miccichè, Vice President of Palermo Calcio: “Only football can gather 30-40 thousand people together every Sunday”
Today’s guests for the press conference for the initiative “Piccoli Tifosi crescono” were Palermo Calcio’s Vice President, Guglielmo Miccichè; Udine’s Prefect, Ivo Salemme; Udinese Calcio’s President, Franco Soldati; forward Simone Pepe plus several young Udinese’s (“Udinese”?) supporters.
The conference focused (“on”?) about the possibility to adopt the so called (“so-called”?) English Model in Italy, that is to say a stadium without barriers so that the audience (“public”, “fans”, “spectators”?) and the teams could (“can”?) be really face to face (“face-to-face”?.
Palermo Calcio’s Vice President, Guglielmo Miccichè, opened the press conference hoping that the English model could be soon adopted in Italy: Palermo Calcio have already presented a project for a new stadium for the European Cup 2016 according to this model. Moreover, Palermo’s President Zamparini is supporting other initiatives to fight violence within the stadiums: “Football is the most exciting sport in the world. Only football can gather 30-40 thousand people together every Sunday”.
Udine’s Prefect, Ivo Salemme: “Udine is the ideal place where (“in which”?) to promote this new positive climate. Initiative such as “Piccoli tifosi crescono” are welcomed since they teach the true values of football”.
Udinese Calcio’s President, Franco Soldati: “Our Club would like to carry out a project for the new stadium inspired (“by”?) to the English model. Our duty is to bring families and young supporters to the stadium and to promote a climate of tolerance. Udinese Calcio is strongly committed against racism and has recently signed an ethic code that both Udinese’s employees and fans should follow”.
Forward Simone Pepe: “First of all I want to say that I am proud of wearing Udinese’s uniform, for their commitment: Sundays at the stadium should be the celebration of sport” (“there should be on Sundays the celebration of sports at the stadium”?).
“Survival is in our hands”
Pasquale Marino: “Against Chievo, our best offensive attitude. A win to be more confident”
The strongest, fittest, most determined Udinese is what Pasquale Marino wants to see tomorrow night against Chievo “Survival is in our hands. If we play with the right offensive attitude, then our value will come out” (??).
Chievo are a team (“is a team”?) which take(s) advantage of the counterattack phase, and their away performances are just good (“very good”? or “just as good”?). “It is true. Chievo are one of the best teams as for their performance in away-matches, well beyond the table results. They troubled Milan (“they caused problems for Milan”?), it is not easy to do that”. Udinese are in a positive physical condition: “All the bases are good, I am trusting (“I trust in…”?) in our own resources. The match at the Olimpico stadium? Roma are running for the Scudetto and Udinese played an excellent game, although the full result didn’t come” (?). The table is also positive for the Bianconeri:
“We don’t have to be too anxious about it. In few (“a”?) matches we passed from +1 to +6 regarding the relegation zone. It means that against Chievo we can be ourselves, without stress: a win is what we need to be even more confident”.
22-03-2010
“Di Natale-day”: enthusiasm, deep emotion, a hug as as big as Friuli
Udinese has kept Totò, best goal-getter ever – A touching memory of Lorenzo Bettini
An exciting day mingled with deep emotion (“emotions”?). Memories of the past, hopes for the future. From Bettini to Di Natale, two extraordinary goal-getters. The Auditorium of the Friuli stadium was crowded and affectionate. Everyone wanted to be there to celebrate Totò, local authorities but especially former Udinese players: Abel Balbo, Roberto Muzzi, Paolo Poggi, Valerio Bertotto, Alessandro Calori, Luigi Turci, Franco Causio, Dino Galparoli, Giovanni Galeone, Gigi De Agostini, Gianfranco Cinello, Maurizio Trombetta and Valentino Leonarduzzi. At the speakers’ table, more guests of honour: journalist and TV presenter Ivan Zazzaroni (“Totò is the symbol of Udinese, as Mancini was for Samp and Signori for Lazio”) and former Italian national team coach Roberto Donadoni, the man who gave Totò the chance to play for the Azzurri in the European Championship. “Before being a great player – Donadoni say (“said”?) - you have to be great men, and that is what Totò is, both in and out of the pitch (“on and off of the pitch”?). I wish him all the best for the league and I hope he can give his contribution for the World Cup. It is another big opportunity for him”.
Memories, images about the past, a huge hug to welcome bianconeri (“Biaconeri”?) players of all times in the clip edited by “Udinese Channel”. One name is worth quoting: Lorenzo Bettini, just overtaken by Totò (“who was just overtaken…”?). The device invented by Luciano Provini to make him “live” is moving: an imaginary e-mail sent by an imaginary Bianconero heaven. Paron Gianpaolo Pozzo’s words are passionate: “After 25 years in football, this is an extraordinary day for me, not as a manager, not as a president but as a supporter. I am lucky to be here with you all to celebrate this huge talent. Almost every other club wanted Di Natale, but he is here with us. He could have earned more money, but he is here to play for us. And when he will have finished his career as a footballer, he will be a manager and keep working for us. I would like to recall all former Udinese presidents that are here today to celebrate a football ace, we all share the same joys and the same disappointments”.
The day’s highlight was when Paròn Pozzo gave Di Natale a special gift, a precious golden watch to remind (“remind him of…”?) a special event, Udinese’s top goal-getter (“goal-scorer”?) of all times. Di Natale was choked by emotion: “I want to thank everybody. I couldn’t expect such a unique, unforgettable day. I want to thank my team mates because it would have been impossible to get where I am without their support; and my coaches, Donadoni and Marino”.
More gifts: a scarf and a jumper from the supporters of the North End, and the limited edition t-shirt issued to celebrate the “Di Natale-Day”. On its front (“on the front”?) there is the legendary image of airplane-Totò and the logo of Udinese; on the back, the number 10, the number of our captain and the year when he managed to became a legend: best goal-getter (“goal-scorer”?) in Udinese’s history. An history (“a history”?) that starts in our small Friuli and winks at South Africa.
18-03-2010
“A 90 minutes long life: how to react in and out of the pitch”: the prize-day
Danish midfielder Niki Zimling, guest at the prize-giving ceremony
The prize giving (??) ceremony for the five winners of the 2,000 euros grants for the initiative “A 90 minutes (“90 minute”?) long life: how to react in and out of the pitch” (“on and off the pitch”?) took place this morning at the branch-office of the Banca di Credito Cooperativo di Manzano in Via della Vittoria, Udine. The essays take inspiration from the life of pilot Alex Zanardi and are enriched by some deep personal reflections of the young winners.
Benedetta De Cecco (Liceo Scientifico Marinelli) was given her grant by Udinese General Director Sergio Gasparin; Francesca Ferrara (Liceo Scientifico Copernico) by President Franco Soldati; Gabriele Buscema (Istituto Superiore Stringher) by “Udinese per la Vita” President Andrea Bonfini; Serena Paolini (Liceo Classico Stellini) by midfielder Niki Zimling and Alessia Anniballo (Istituto Tecnico Commerciale Zanon) by Banca di Credito Cooperativo di Manzano President Ezio Cleri.
President Franco Soldati reminded how Udinese Calcio and Banca di Credito Cooperativo di Manzano share the same social values. “Udinese per la Vita” President Andrea Bonfini wanted to thank the young writers: “I personally read the essays you sent for “Udineseingamba”, congratulations for the worth (???) and depth of your thoughts”.
General Director Sergio Gasparin wanted to donate Udinese’s pennant to Banca di Credito Cooperativo di Manzano President Ezio Cleri: “These colours mean everything to us: professionalism, passion. Football is not only a game on Sunday afternoons; it represents a territory and its values. Udinese and their non-profit organization represent this all”.
25-03-2010
Medical Report: Andrea Coda
Udinese Calcio informs that as a consequence of a collision (“with a car”?) occurred (“which occurred” or “which took place”?) during the Serie A match Udinese-Chievo Verona, defender Andrea Coda is suffering (“has suffered”?) a distortion to his left knee combined with (“together with”?) a wide (??) lesion (“injury”?) to the medial collateral ligament. No surgery will be needed to treat the lesion (“injury”?). The player will have to wear a brace for the next 20 days, (no comma) when new medical tests will be carried out to confirm the diagnosis.
27-03-2010
“The problems can be solved”
Pasquale Marino: “Di Natale deep into the opponent area. A completely different match than Wednesday evening’s under the tactical point of view”
Udinese is ready for the “Operation Tuscany” (“for Operation Tuscany”?). Two consecutive away matches, against Firenze and Livorno, plus the home match against Juventus. Three games to gain points to stay away from the relegation zone: “The injury occurred to Coda (why not just say “Coda’s injury”?) will probably mean he will be out until the end of the season. It’s the hundredth injury for the defence sector. But the problems we have can be solved”.
More about the Bianconero defence: Cristian Zapata is cautioned, and then there is the choice between Ferronetti and Lukovic about who is playing at the Franchi stadium from the first minute. “It will be Damiano because against Chievo he did a very good job. Zapata will have to keep calm, and should not protest because we need him against Juventus, also considered the quality of Zaccheroni’s forwards”.
About Fiorentina: “They will try to impose their game plan. It is going to be an intense, competitive match. Giardino might trouble us. Generally speaking, Fiorentina are a team that was unfairly eliminated from the Champions League”.
Pasquale Marino about (“on”? or “and”?) the alternatives to use on the pitch. “Badu needs time, he has a huge potential but he is only 19. Also Sammarco - now having more than 100 caps- needed some time to adapt” (“has needed some time…”?). Naturally, a word about Totò Di Natale, Udinese’s top scorer: “Totò will have to go deep into the opponent area. Under the tactical point of view, it is going to be a completely different match than Wednesday evening’s.”
26-03-2010
“Concentration and our best offensive attitude”
Samir Handanovic: “Keep off the red zone. Against Fiorentina, we have always played great matches”
A goalless draw against Chievo. From the first time this season, the Bianconeri ended up an home (“a home match”?) match goalless: “We faced a team whose attitude was mainly defensive and oriented to spoil our game. Chievo have the third best defence sector of the league. There had been some mistakes, but it didn’t depend only on our defence, we are a team and we share responsibilities for the good and the bad (of what?). We have to find a new balance. Concentration and our best offensive attitude must be our weapons”.
Udinese is out of the red zone, although the edge has become thinner, only four points more than Atalanta: “We have to keep off the red zone (“away from the red zone”?). And to do this we have to focus on our results and performances. We do not have to waste time and get anxious thinking about the other teams. Winning some away matches wouldn’t be bad to start collecting points.”
The next opponent is Prandelli’s Fiorentina, just defeated (“which was just defeated…”?) by Bayern Monaco for the Champions League round of eight (“8th round”?): “I owe maximum respect to Fiorentina (???). They have been constantly improving through (“throughout”?) the years. They are a strong team, their vital spirit comes from the group, not from the single man. We have always played great matches against them. We are two teams that like good football and try to overtake each other as for the quality of the game” (“because of the..”?). The absence of Andrea Coda weights (“weighs”?) a ton on the defence sector (“defensive sector”?: “I hope he’ll get well soon. We are at the coach’s disposal and focused to do our best. Ferronetti is back after a year’s forced stop (???) and he immediately did an excellent job”.
30-03-2010
“High Attention (“Great Attention”?) Level in Every Sector”
Pasquale Marino: “Wins and defeats must be handled carefully. The team must be trouble-free to put into practice the hard training work of the week”
Coach Pasquale Marino about (“on”?) the delicate moment Udinese is going through: “I am more angry than worried. The team is there, as they showed both in Rome and Florence: two tough matches. Individual and sector (???) slips meant a lot, and we know it is the main problem. Anxiety about the match is the main cause of these lapses. Both wins and defeats must be handled carefully, the team must be trouble-free to fully put into practice the hard training work of the week; while at times, I realize how my players are scared of the team-work during the match”.
What do Udinese need to overcome this impasse? “We have to keep an high (“a high”?) attention level in every sector. It is a matter of concentration. There are moments when we literally nullify our hard work , and the decision is only up to us. Our opponents, and it is a paradox (“and this is a paradox”?), get more dangerous when we have the possession of the ball (“hae ball possession”?) because we forget about the precautionary covering (of a roof?), so as soon as we try to counterattack we are unbalanced on the pitch. That’s how Fiorentina’s second goal was born (“occurred”?): a sequence of slips that could have perfectly been avoided. If we are focused as we had been against Atalanta and Chievo at home, we’ll leave no chances to score to our opponents”. Only seven more matches to the end of the season, only four points away from the relegation zone: “We still have to be optimistic, and not to let us be overwhelmed by circumstances. Remember the match against Palermo? It was only two weeks ago. Moreover the calendar is favourable”. No radical changes in the tactical module must be expected in this moment: “It is not time (“it is not THE time…”?) to pervert (??) the tactical nature of the team. It is not a matter of a back- four or back-three. It is not the right moment to make experiments letting into the pitch players little used before (???). Experience is fundamental in such circumstances”.
“It’s not time to make calculations: in Livorno to win”
Emmanuel Badu: “A tough match is round the corner (“around”?). They desperately need to gain points. Concentration and attention to take the Picchi stadium by storm”
Last Saturday evening Emmauel Badu was baptized: his first home win – against Juventus- after his debut in Florence only six days before: “I am happy I had the chance to give my contribution in the second half. An authentic satisfaction for me!”
The three points gained against Juventus have allowed the Bianconeri to keep 4 points away from the relegation zone and to overtake Lazio: “I am sure we won’t be relegated, against Juventus we showed we fully deserve Serie A” (“deserve THE Serie A”?). Gennaro Ruotolo is back to coach Livorno after he was sacked after only 8 match-days: “It will be a tough match, Livorno desperately need to gain points. We must keep our concentration and attention at the highest level to take the Picchi stadium by storm. Saturday’s win was only a starting point”. His sector-mate (???) is nothing less than his Ghanaian national team mate Asamoah: “A real friend who’s helping me through this experience. He is giving me a great hand and good advice”. Saturday’s success meant a lot for the team: “Everyone is working hard, this is how it works in a team. Di Natale? Simply fantastic”. What about the impact with Italian football? “It wasn’t easy to get used to it. Football is very technical and tactical in Italy. I am proud to play in a Serie A team and I am only thinking about the right way to improve”.
12-04-2010
Pasquale Marino: “Survival is closer”
Coach Pasquale Marino and the players right after the win against Livorno
Pasquale Marino: “I am very satisfied and proud both of the result and of the attitude of the team (“team’s attitude”?): concentrated and focused on their objective. After the wins against Juve and Livorno, survival is much closer: only 3-4 more points. I don’t think it will be difficult after such positive performances”.
Antonio Di Natale: “Having scored today and still being (“the”?) Serie A top scorer makes me and the whole squad proud. It was a tough match and we managed to win, this makes the result even more important. Everyone has given their contribution, the defence sector above all (“above-all”?). Our physical condition is good, and the next two home matches are fundamental for our run to survival”. Aleksandar Lukovic: “An important step, yet not the definitive one. That’s the way we have to keep on playing: we have been aggressive since the first minute and troubled Livorno very much”.
Kwadwo Asamoah: “Today’s match hasn’t been easy, but we took advantage of our opponent’s single slip and gained our first away win. Against Bologna, it will be another tough match but we are playing at home and the support of our fans will prove fundamental”.
09-04-2010
General Director Sergio Gasparin and Captain Totò Di Natale about Al Qaeda threat of attacks during the World Cup
Here are the statements by Udinese General Director Sergio Gasparin and Captain Totò Di Natale about Al Qaeda (“Al Qaeda’s”?) threat of attacks during the World Cup. “I really hope the World Cup remains a big joyful sports event – said Director Sergio Gasparin – Sport is able to get together people from every Country (“country”?) and every religion. The only opponents should be the ones on the pitch. The World Cup is a unique event for people all over the world, an event which allows us to overcome boundaries of every kind”. “Football is the most beloved sport all over the planet – added Captain Antonio Di Natale – When you are playing the colour of your skin, your religion count nothing. The only objective should be to play, to enjoy. The values of sports must come out powerfully, and the respect for the opponents should be the guide value (??). Football is a universal language, a language of peace, of solidarity and sensibility towards the whole world”.
10-04-2010
“Livorno: a win would mean everything to Udinese”
Pasquale Marino: “Sure we can score one goal provided we play in the right way. The important thing is not to concede Livorno one”
Only six more matches to go, six points to be gained as soon as possible to run no risks: “One match at a time, please. No doubt that tomorrow’s match at the Picchi stadium is fundamental for the run to survival. The opponents behind us have not surrendered yet”.
Tomorrow’s match is going to be hot: “Our idea is to block their every single pass. Livorno is just a tough opponent because they have no more chances left and their only possible result is to win. We can both play to win or to draw: to be able to keep the right balance is essential in this kind of matches”.
This week former Livorno coach Gennaro Ruotolo – who led Livorno to promotion last year- has come back after having been sacked: “Ruotolo’s return might have given new energy to the team. They have quality players especially when it comes to the offensive sector: Lucarelli, Bellucci and Tavano are three clever players. We feel stronger after the win against Juve and we do not have to waste that important result. Provided we play in the right way, we can score a goal. The important thing is not to concede Livorno one”.
A word about the injured players: “Inler is not ready yet; Domizzi is getting better and better. Floro Flores is also much better and has trained with the team”.
The highest positions of the table seem all very uncertain: “This championship is going to be enthralling till its very end as for the Scudetto, the Champions League and the survival. Udinese’s win against Livorno would mean everything to us”.
07-04-2010
“Certainly my best moment since I arrived in Udine”
Alexis Sanchez: “In Livorno to find continuity of results”
Not simply a goal: three points and the taste of success. This is what Alexis Sanchez was looking for, and against Juve, his dream came true. His goal, the first of that wonderful Saturday night, allowed Udinese to face (“the”?) “Vecchia Signora” (the Old Lady, as Juventus is called here in Italy) with more guts and pride: “I have to keep on playing as I did against Juventus. I am not satisfied yet, I know I can still improve”
It goes without saying that Alexis Sanchez’s contribution is just fundamental for Udinese.
“It is certainly my best moment since I arrived in Friuli. Football has a rule: never look behind, always look forward. Should I give a mark for my performances this season? Six and a half.”
Sanchez is a versatile player under the tactical point of view:“I am more used to playing according to the 4-3-3 module; with the 4-4-2 I am closer to the net because I am right into the opposing area. Football is about teams, not about men: the team’s interest comes first”.
Also wingers have scored recently, (“a”) good sign:
“We are a young team, the more we play together the more we understand how to improve. This is why our performances are getting better match after match. This is essential to be prepared (“in order to be…”?) for the away match at the Picchi stadium, a tough game.”
Yes, Livorno: 90 more fundamental minutes for this final part of the season. “The win against Juve would be a loss of time (“a waste of time”?) if we didn’t (“also”?) play at our top level against Livorno, too. Not to mention they are an adversary for the run to survival…”. A quick comment upon the fixtures to go:
“In my opinion it will be important not to lose even a single match from here on. And it is only up to us”.
19-04-2010
“The team is more important than the individual”
President Francesca Menarini: “If you believe in what you do, you cannot be afraid of criticism”
The initiative “Udinese dietro le quinte” (“Udinese behind the scenes”) gathered together a lot of young supporters – around forty- who had the chance to visit the dressing rooms and to meet their favorite players face to face (“face-to-face”?). Today’s press conference was dedicated to “The importance of the Academy within football clubs: how to teach the values of sports to young footballers” (L‘importanza del settore giovanile all‘interno delle società di calcio: gli insegnamenti dello sport e dei suoi valori sin dalla giovane età”), and the guests were Udinese (“Udinese’s”?) President Franco Soldati, Bologna (“Bologna’s”?) Fc President Francesca Menarini and bianconero (“bianconero or Bianconero”?) goalkeeper Emanuele Belardi.
During the ususl (“usual”?) pre-match press conference, President Francesca Menarini said: “Football is the most exciting sport in the world, and these young supporters in front of me are its future. We have to teach them the true values of sports, in particular the respect for our opponents. Football is a sport where the group comes first, it is more important than the individual. Sometimes the results we hope for do not seem to come, but when you believe in what you do, you shouldn’t be afraid of criticism”.
Presidente Franco Soldati added: “Football should be a synonym to (“of”?) amusement. Violence does not belong to it (“in it”?); football is based on friendship, respect and team work”.
Emanuele Belardi spoke about his experience: “In my career I have learnt (or “learned”) how the group is fundamental to obtain good results. In life, and in football, mistakes as well as criticism and radical changes can happen and you have to learn to face them. You also have to accept and respect other people’s choices and decisions. But you can always count on the group“.
19-04-2010
“One point but fundamental”
Gokhan Inler: “On Wednesday we will fight hard to overturn the result of the first leg”
Same minute of the match, a different protagonist: last year it was thank (“thanks”?) to a goal by Alexis Sanchez in the 91’ minute that Udinese beat Bologna. Yesterday it was Di Natale’s goal that granted the Bianconeri a draw to keep Bologna three points behind them in the table. This is Gokhan Inler ‘s comment about the match: “It proved hard right from the start: the own goal we conceded completely overthrew our plans. In the second half, thanks to the contribution of Pepe we managed to push forward and press more strongly. The important thing for us is the point we gained”.
(“The”?) Swiss midfielder – who entered during the second half substituting Ferronetti – gave a huge contribution for (“to”?) the match: “I had been working hard last week, and when the coach called me I was ready”.
The team is now fully concentrated on Wednesday’s game, when they are facing Roma for the TIM CUP semi-final: “ We will fight till the end to try to overturn the result of the first leg although we know it won’t be easy. But nothing seems impossible: last year in the second leg of the Uefa Cup against Werder Brema we did it. We will have to keep an high (“a high”?) concentration level for the whole match. Since the beginning of my career, I have never had the chance to play a final. I hope the moment has come”.
The run for the survival is still open also due to Atalanta’s win: “We need some more points. Against Siena we will have the possibility to gain those points we lack. I think it will be quite a tough match, since Siena needs a positive result as well”.
20-04-2010
“The support of the fans to reach our objective”
Pasquale Marino: “We will have to do our best, we are in search of the perfect match”
Udinese’s destiny has crossed the Coppa Italia final only once in their history. It was 1922 and the man of the match was Vado who scored during the extra time. Eighty-eight years later the Bianconeri have their second chance:“We strongly believe we can do it but it won’t be easy: Roma are unstoppable, they haven’t lost for 24 matches. We will have to do our best because we are in search of the perfect match. To concede Roma even one single goal would compromise the whole match”.
Roma, current Serie A league leader, have two goals of advantage (or “a two-goal advantage”?): “A high quality team with extraordinary players even when it comes to the substitutes: Ranieri managed to win the derby even when he substituted De Rossi and Totti. I think that on Wednesday, Roma’s line-up will be the best possible. That’s why we will have to be concentrated for the whole 90 minutes and to pay attention to the smallest details”. The Bianconeri have scored 6 goals and conceded only one during the last three matches: “It is an unpredictable season for us, sometimes we surrender, sometimes we fly high like against Juventus. We now have the chance to qualify for (“the”?) Europa League and to change the course of the championship. This is what defeating Roma would represent. The support of the fans, of the Friuli Stadium audience (??) is fundamental to help us reach our objective”.
27-04-2010
“My dream is to surpass Bierhoff’s record”
Antonio Di Natale: “The best moment of this season has been the 3-0 against Juve. The Golden Shoe? It would be incredible!”
After the stunning win against Siena, and with only three more matches to go Udinese seem to be allowed to take a breath of relief. Di Natale, have Udinese made sure of obtaining survival? “I think so, even though we need two more points to be mathematically sure of survival. Our objective for the remaining matches is be (“is be to win”?) to win as many games as possible in order to climb the table a little bit more”. You have scored 25 goals up to now, five more than Milito, you’re this season’s leading goal scorer.
“I really don’t think about it very much, but the fact that I can compete with an ace like Milito is just fantastic. Our duel is open until the very last match. I would be glad to surpass Bierhoff’s record 27 goal of the ‘97/98 season”. In the table for the Golden Shoe you are getting closer and closer to Rooney and
Messi. Is it a realistic aim?
“It is almost incredible to be so close to the best forwards in the world. It is a true honor for me to be there with them”.
Do you have a regret for this season?
“We would have liked the season to go much better; only lately we have been able to react and to show our true potential. We would have reached higher positions in the chart, too. Then, talking about the elimination from the Coppa Italia, it was a punch in the stomach”.
The next opponent is Cagliari. They have a new coach and haven’t won since 21 February. “We are both going to play good football. It will be a tough match, between two teams both having 42 points. For the first part of the season Cagliari had been the revelation team”. What do you see for your future?
“I want to end the season in the best possible way and then I want to fly to South Africa and live my dream, it’s a unique occasion. Then, what I really want is to end my career with this uniform, with the colors of Udinese.”
The under standing among you, Sanchez and Pepe seems to be improving day by day (“day-by-day”?). What’s the secret of the bianconero (“Biaconero”?) three-plonged (“pronged”?) attack? “There has actually been a general improvement. My team mates have managed to support the offensive sector thus leaving us the opportunity to concentrate on the final phase, on scoring.
You’ve scored no less than 98 goals in Serie A up to now. Have you got a favorite one?
“The best memory of this season was the stunning 3-0 against Juventus, a unique emotion for me. We really needed those three points because Atalanta was following us from a close distance, not to mention the pleasure to win such an important mach at home, in front of our great supporters”.
24-04-2010
“The match against Siena is only the first of a tough series of four”
Pasquale Marino: “We want to make sure to gain survival as soon as possible. Tomorrow, I want to see determination and spirit of revenge”
Nine points is the distance that separates the two Italian Bianconeri clubs in the Serie A table. Siena need a win to keep on running and hoping for the survival: “All teams have to struggle hard at this point of the season. Tomorrow we want to make sure to gain salvation once and forever. What we will need is determination and care for the smallest details from the beginning to the end. The match against Siena is only the first of a tough series of four”. The elimination from the Coppa Italia is still an open wound for the Bianconeri: “The guys are still quite upset, also considered (“considering also”?) they actually won that match. However, they must be concentrated on the next four games to the end of the league”.
On December 13 2009 Udinese badly lost against Siena. The match-men that day were Maccarone and Ghezzal (not playing tomorrow since he is banned): “We faced Siena after a bad performance against Bologna, plus Di Natale wasn’t playing and the offensive sector lacked of his best men (???). Siena only want and need to win, that is why I say we do not have to be too rash and run non-sensical risks. Matches are not only a matter of physical strength but also of mental attitude”.
Domizzi, who had stayed on the bench against Roma, could now play from the first minute: “He hasn’t fully recoverd (“recovered”?) yet, although he is much better. His experiencce (“experience”?) on the pitch is precious for us”.
03-05-2010
Together with the champions to become champions: Udinese Calcio Summer Camp
Two initiatives: “City Camp” at the Stadio Friuli and “Campus” in Piancavallo
This year as well young football talents are having the chance to play and train together with Udinese champions and coaching staff in order to become, one day, (“in order to become one day…”?) champions themselves. That’s the aim of Udinese Calcio Summer Camps: to play, to enjoy, to be educated according to the values of sports within a Club, Udinese, that’s well known (“well-known”?) and greatly esteemed (“admired”?) around Italy and Europe also for the attention they dedicate (“it dedicates”?) to the Youth System. Udinese Summer Camp will be an indelible memory (“unforgettable memory”?) for those young footballers who will join the technical staff Mr. Carnevale – responsible (“who is responsible…”?) for Udinese Academy- has selected (“selected who”?) in order to develop a training plan similar to the one Totò and his team mates use in Serie A.
Udinese Calcio has promoted two initiatives: “City Camp” at the Stadio Friuli and “Campus” in Piancavallo, a pleasant Friulian mountain resort.
CITY CAMP is dedicated to children from 6 to 12. They can chose between two different periods: from June 14 to 19; or from June 28 to July 3. They will have the chance to train right on the Friuli Stadium pitch according to the most up-to-date methodologies developed to improve technique, football fundamentals and fair-play. The training sessions will be alternated with entertainment and fun moments. CAMPUS is dedicated to elder kids (“older”?), ranging from 9 to 16. The training period will be held in Piancavallo’s Hotel Regina from June 19 to 27. A fun sports holiday, which mirrors the techniques and methods of the typical pre-season training camp of Serie A teams: to make the kids feel as real, adult footballers.
The form – which can be downloaded from our official web site from the “Campus 2010” section, can be handed in at the Stadio Friuli offices from Monday to Friday, from 09,00 to 13,00 and from 15,00 to 19,00.
At the end of the training period, every kid is receiving (“will receive”?) a participation certificate.
04-05-2010
“Climb the table”
Gokhan Inler: “Udinese’s real potential has finally come out: we want to gains (“gain”?) six points out of the last two matches to end the season up in the right way”
A couple of numbers regarding Gokhan Inler: 2800 minutes (“2,800”?) on the pitch, 32 caps this season – 37 during his first season here and 36 during the second one - , he is the third Bianconero player if we consider the minutes spent playing.
“I am happy I can play and feel the coach and my team mates are supporting me. I always try to do my best to honor my uniform and the club’s colors”.
Only two more matches to the end (“until the end”?) of the League: “We really want to try and climb the table gaining six points out of the last two matches”.
The last five games - 3 wins and 2 draws - have meant survival: “ It’s been a strange season, we haven’t been able to find continuity of results (?). The injuries occurred to many of our players have influenced the course of the league, too. It was only during the last month, that the true potential of Udinese potential has come out”.
Ventura’s Bari defeated Genoa 3-0 last Sunday, and the first leg wasn’t easy at all for the Bianconeri, seriously troubled by the fast and shrewd Bari wingers: “ Our technical module is different from theirs, but we are going through a more positive moment and we can manage to push our wingers deep into the opponents’ area. We could also even our positions in the table at 46 points”.
The count down for South Africa’s World Cup has begun: one month to go. Switzerland is in Group H, together with Spain, Honduras and Chile: “My only aim now is to end the season up in the right way with my team, Udinese. I’m going to start thinking about the World Cup from May 17”.
05-05-2010
“Now that we’ve taken the run, we must take advantage of it against Bari”
Juan Cuadrado: “I have gotten used to the new environment, and understood the differences between South American and Italian football. I feel stronger now”
The Bianconeri are training and concentrating about the next to last match of the season. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado ponders about his first year in Friuli: “We have finally been able to take the run, gaining survival with slight advance. We must take advantage of this and gain the three points against Bari, also for our supporters”.
Ten caps, four of them as a regular, Cuadrado has been this year’s favorite young talent for coach Marino: “I have gotten used to the new environment during this season. It has been useful to understand the differences between South American and Italian football. The coach has always been very supporting (“supportive of me”?) with me”.
A word about his future: “My objective is to grow professionally during the next season in order to become a regular in Udinese’s line-up. I will have to win the new coach’s esteem. Then I must be more versatile both during the defensive and offensive phase. I personally like attacking, but I know I am part of a team”.
09-05-2010
“My three years here have definitely flown away (“flown by”?). I have done my best, and I am proud of it”
Pasquale Marino takes stock of the season: “Since I came back, the rhythm has been high”
“My three years in Udinese, (“without the virgola) have definitely flown away (“flown by”?). I have done my best, and I am proud of it”. These are the plain, yet meaningful words Pasquale Marino has used today during the pre-match press conference for Udinese-Bari, where we all have had the chance to assess his three years here.
“I have really put my heart in all what I’ve done. Of course, some mistakes have been made, too; but I have learnt from my errors not to repeat them again”.
Tomorrow, there’s Udinese-Bari
“We want to end the season up in the right way, with a high level (“high-level”? performance to say thanks to all our supporters watching us from the Stadio Friuli’s stands. If we go back with our minds (“in our minds”) thinking when our revenge began, I would say it was during the match against Juventus: that was the turning point”.
Udinese mathematically gained survival last Sunday, against Cagliari
“This season hasn’t probably fully corresponded to the true potential of Udinese, but since I came back the rhythm has been much higher; we managed to climb the table, it was a labor (?) but we managed to react and to accomplish the ascent”.
Everyone wants to know where his future – from May 17 on - will be.
“In Marsala, my home town. I am spending my holidays there. When I came back after being sacked, I agreed with the Club that at the end of the season I would have left. My future? No idea yet. I am an unemployed man.” Tomorrow, it could turn out to be another Di Natale-day.
“I hope so. I have been lucky to be his coach while he was at the top of his maturity. He has helped the team a lot, he is very good at creating and taking advantage of good occasions”.
08-05-2010
Reserves: first leg match of the round of sixteen: Udinese-Palermo 1-2
Fabio Rossitto: “The best Udinese of the whole season today: proud and brave”
Today, in a chilly Spring afternoon, Udinese and Palermo have struggled to gain access to the final phase of the Reserves League in front of a thousand fans on the stands of the Friuli Stadium. The pitch, heavy for the rain, represented a challenge within a challenge for both teams, whose football was however very good. In the 15’ (“15th?) minute, Palermo take the lead with Giovio after a scramble within the box. The Bianconeri manage to create some good occasions: in the 13’ with Romero, and in the 14’ with Landgren. However, we have to wait until the 40’(“40th”?) minute to see Udinese even the result. Chara feeds Bencivenga right, and his low shot goes right into the opposing net.
During the second half, Romo saves a dangerous shot by Mbakogu, but only eight minutes after
neither the keeper nor defender Bossa can stop the Nigerian forward: 1-2 for Palermo. In the 37’ (“37th?) minute Davi is red carded (“red-carded”?). The bianconeri (“Bianconeri”?) do not surrender and push forward, until they gain a penalty taking advantage of Palermo’s handball. But unfortunately, Alemao fails from the penalty spot. “Nothing has gone in the right way today, - said coach Fabio Rossitto – We feel upset for the second goal we conceded and for failing the chance to draw. Even so, today we’ve seen the best Udinese of the season: proud and brave. We will have to do our best in Palermo next Thursday. We need to score two goals, it won’t be easy but we are going to fight every single minute”
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