Gigi De Canio is “100 per cent sure” Udinese will avoid relegation and feels Antonio Di Natale “could’ve played for Barcelona.”
The Coach took over from Stefano Colantuono last week and his debut was a 1-1 draw away to Sassuolo.
“Udinese will be safe from the drop. I am 100 per cent sure of that,” De Canio told the Messaggero Veneto and Udinese TV.
Gigi De Canio is “100 per cent sure” Udinese will avoid relegation and feels Antonio Di Natale “could’ve played for Barcelona.”
The Coach took over from Stefano Colantuono last week and his debut was a 1-1 draw away to Sassuolo.
“Udinese will be safe from the drop. I am 100 per cent sure of that,” De Canio told the Messaggero Veneto and Udinese TV.
“We hope to secure our safety as soon as possible, then we can start blooding talented youngsters like Andrija Balic. The expectations around him mustn’t be too frenetic.
“If we had been in a more relaxed position in the table, he already would’ve been given the chance to play.”
Still only 18, creative midfielder Balic is a Croatia international at Under-19 level and joined from Hajduk Split in February for €3m.
The Friulani played a 1-1 friendly draw with NK Istra yesterday, as Cyril Thereau wiped out a Heister goal from the opening minute.
“I am very satisfied because I saw the team work hard and remain positive. I thank the fans for the applause. I’ve always been happy here and I wasn’t exaggerating when I said it was a return home for me. There is reciprocal respect.”
Udinese can still count on their veteran captain Di Natale, a legend at this club.
“He was in the right place at the wrong time, or at least a bit late. Someone with his talent could’ve played for Barcelona.”
Di Natale was offered the opportunity to join Juventus a couple of years ago, but turned them down so he could stay in Udine.