Guidolin delighted with players

Udinese manager Francesco Guidolin sang the praises of his players after they beat Chievo 2-1 on Sunday.

Udinese moved to the top of the Serie A table with the victory, which came thanks to goals from Antonio Di Natale and Dusan Basta.

Chievo pulled a late goal back through Alberto Paloschi but Udinese held on for a victory that delighted their manager.

“We won a very tough match and that’s only because of the guys – they were very good today, they really were very good,” Guidolin said.

“At the half-time interval we talked a bit, with great calm. I saw they were a bit down, so I asked for their attention and told them we aren’t the kind of team that can be 3-0 up after 30 minutes of play.”

“I told them we’re always Udinese and to never to forget who they are and where they come from.”

“We settled well and played the second half our way, with the characteristics this team must have in order to remain near the top of the table. And when we prove we have those characteristics we become dangerous to anyone.”

Udinese will remain on top of the standings if Roma defeat Juventus on Monday.

And Guidolin admitted he would be hoping Luis Enrique’s side can manage an unlikely victory.

“I would really like to stay on the top and that’s why I’ll support Roma, that’s for sure,” he said.

“I’ll support Roma, but I also have a great respect for Juventus, which, together with Milan, is the strongest team in Serie A and which, together with Milan, will be the favourite to win the Scudetto.”