Guidolin happy on top

Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin is enjoying the view from the top of the Serie A table after his side’s 2-0 win over Bologna on Sunday.

Goals from Medhi Benatia and Antonio Di Natale were enough to keep Udinese level on 11 points with Juventus on top of Serie A, and bounce back from their disappointing 1-1 draw at Celtic in the Europa League on Wednesday.

Guidolin said he was delighted to secure three points heading into the international break.

“It is very satisfying to be top of the table and we can enjoy the Serie A leadership during the break for international duty,” Guidolin said.

“Then we can dive back into our hard work to continue growing our project. We’ve got to be entertaining, but also effective, as I don’t like fancy football for no reason.”

But Guidolin predicted stormy skies ahead for his side, who have a long campaign ahead of them if they are to repeat the successes of last season when they finished fourth.

“We are united and will enjoy this time in the sun, knowing full well sooner or later there will be rain,” he said.

“The only negative about this period is the regret over the Champions League playoff exit, because we weren’t in our best shape and failed to take advantage of Arsenal’s poor form.”