Udinese ready for Juve test

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin said his side will not be changing their playing style for their meeting with Serie A leaders Juventus.

Guidolin’s side have the chance to leapfrog Juventus if they can win their encounter at Stadio Friuli on Wednesday.

Despite taking on a team unbeaten in their opening 15 league matches, Guidolin said his side will approach the encounter like they would any other fixture.

“We know that tomorrow we’re going to play a very important match which closes the year and we know that we’ll be facing a very strong team,” he said on Tuesday.

“We already knew this and now that we’re concentrating on them we’re realising the strength of Juventus, their skills and personality.”

“I believe we’ll keep our usual attitude and we’ll try and put in a good performance. We’ll try to use all our remaining energy and hope we’ll be able to create difficulties for Juventus.”

Udinese will be hopeful their defensive record of having conceded just nine goals in 15 matches – the best in the league – will hold them in good stead against the high-flying Juve.

Table-toppers Juventus have surprised several pundits with their remarkable start to the campaign, and Guidolin congratulated the club on their success so far.

“I take the chance to congratulate Juventus and Antonio Conte, who is doing an extraordinary job,” he said.

“He deserves his role and the chance he has been given to train a big team. He really deserves it since he is making excellent progress.”

“I’m not surprised by Juventus’ position, since Juventus are a great team.”

“They had already showed signs of improvement even last year, when they hadn’t achieved big results, but this year I can see Juventus improving.”

“In addition to this, they have players of excellent quality, which makes a very good team.”