Guidolin on top of the world

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin was understandably elated after watching his side beat Inter Milan 1-0 to go equal top of the Serie A.

Guidolin’s side left the San Siro with the three points thanks to Mauricio Isla’s 73rd minute goal, although the visitors were forced to endure a nervy finish when Inter were awarded a late penalty, only for Giampaolo Pazzini to miss.

The win puts Udinese level with AC Milan at the top of the table, and Guidolin said his side had deserve their victory.

“Udinese winning at San Siro against Inter doesn’t always happen, and being joint-first is great,” said Guidolin. “We are adding more points to our tally, but we only live in the present.”

“When I saw the ball go high (from Pazzini’s penalty) I breathed a sigh of relief.”

“In the second-half we deserved to win. It was a thrilling game, but I am satisfied my players overcame this test.”

Guidolin also took time to single out praise for goalscorer Isla, who he believes can develop into a more attack-minded midfielder like Roma playmaker Simone Perrotta.

“Isla can become a player akin to Simone Perrotta; someone who can contribute with seven to eight league goals a season,” Guidolin said.

Udinese are level with AC Milan on 27 points, but could be leapfrogged by Juventus on Sunday.