Inter Milan vs Udinese - Spalletti insists Inter did not underestimate Coppa Italia opponents - 7M sport

Inter Milan vs Udinese - Spalletti insists Inter did not underestimate Coppa Italia opponents



Posted Saturday, December 16, 2017 by PA

Luciano Spalletti insists Inter Milan did not underestimate minnows Pordenone in the Coppa Italia but will not tolerate a repeat of the near-miss when Udinese come to San Siro.

When Serie A leaders Inter were pitted against third-tier Pordenone in the last 16 of the Italian cup it looked like a straightforward victory in Milan would follow.

But the Nerazzurri failed to score against the north-east club and were arguably lucky to survive extra-time and penalties to progress to a quarter-final match-up with their city rivals AC Milan.

Next up for Inter are top-flight battlers Udinese and Spalletti is demanding more cohesion.

He said at a pre-match press conference: "I think it's wrong to say that the players were not committed or that they underestimated the opposition.

"We were lacking shape during the first half against Pordenone. In the second half we were not clinical enough in front of goal.

"We are facing an extremely tough opponent tomorrow. They are a physical side and have qualities that can make an impact on the game.

"(Massimo) Oddo is a good and smart coach. There will be many potential pitfalls in this match.

"The entire team has recovered, even those who were tired. They are all ready to be selected.

"Joao Mario is, however, still unavailable due to tonsillitis."

Udinese have injury doubts about Kevin Lasagna, Stipe Perica and Valon Behrami but the trio will travel, while Emil Hallfredsson could return in midfield although boss Oddo does not believe the Icelander "has 90 minutes in his legs."

The Bianconeri head coach was among many who were encouraged by Pordenone's display against title-chasing Inter, but he warned of a backlash from Spalletti's men.

"You can forget all about their Coppa match," Oddo said at a press conference. "This is a totally different game. Pordenone deserve a lot of credit though - they were excellent at San Siro.

"We're not going there to hold back, that's for sure. Inter are a great side and we will have to be good both when we have the ball and when we don't."

Udinese were thumped 5-2 in this fixture last season and have not beaten Inter at San Siro for three years.



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