Guidolin unfazed by stalemate

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin came away satisfied despite his team only managing a 0-0 draw at home to Cagliari in Serie A on Sunday.

The hosts struggled without Serie A top-scorer Antonio Di Natale in the stalemate at Stadio Friuli, as their winless league run was extended to three matches.

Guidolin, who rued his team’s luck after the draw, said he was happy despite failing to win and slipping further behind top sides AC Milan and Juventus.

“Obviously (Di Natale) is essential for our team, he’s an extraordinary player, a champion, but we could have scored tonight even without him,” Guidolin said.

“We were a bit unlucky with some of the chances we had, but these things happen.”

“I’m satisfied and very happy with the performance my guys put in. Thursday (against PAOK in the Europa League) it will be another big challenge and let’s hope we can win it.”

Missing several first-choice players, Udinese were unable to break down a defensive Cagliari side.

Guidolin is remaining upbeat and said his team deserved to collect three points.

“I know I have a group with great character, great mentality and great pride, which makes me confident,” he said.

“Tonight was a good example of that for our supporters. Tonight we watched a match in which we tried to win from the very first minute.”

“Without giving too much importance to the problems we’re having due to injured players, they gave all that they had from the beginning to the end of the game and deserved more than Cagliari.”