08 January 2023
MASSIMILIANO ALLEGRI
«We knew it would be tough and it was an evenly balanced affair. We did better after the break, from a physical perspective too. We could have scored before we did. In the first half we made mistakes and Udinese were pressing us hard. Once we stopped trying to force things, we managed to carve out openings. If you don't concede, at worst you draw. The lads are going really well – they have a different attitude and are pushing for every centimetre. They all deserve credit, even the guys who don't get to play.Now we can look forward to a great game in Naples. We must keep taking things one step at a time. It was important to win today as it consolidates our position in the top four but Napoli are flying. We need to keep our heads down and keep going. Trophies are won in the last two months of the season».
FEDERICO CHIESA
«My first thought is for Gianluca Vialli. He was a marvellous person and I consider myself lucky to have met him, both for the footballer he was and what he conveyed on a personal level. He was like an extra player for us during the Euros and emotions are still running high. This win tonight was for him. I wasn't able to train in pre-season but I'm giving my all now because 2022 was a tough year for me. It's behind me now and I'm focusing on my football. I have to keep working hard to get back to the level I was at before so I can help the team achieve our goals. We've got ourselves back on track but now, as Allegri says, we have to raise the bar»
DANIELE RUGANI
«It was an incredibly emotional start to the evening before a match we knew would be difficult. Udinese are a strong, compact side and they made it hard for us. We maintained our focus and gave little away, then we managed to break the deadlock. It was so important to win tonight. I'm happy with my own performance. I always hope to play my part. Allegri knows he can count on me in any position. Everyone here has known me for years and they know I'll always give my all. I want to do my bit for the cause in the second half of the season as there are going to be lots of games»
