Udinese sporting director says Lazar Samardzic reminds him of Miralem Pjanic, while the club are almost certain to sign Lorenzo Luca this summer. Speaking with Il Messaggero, Balzaretti offered some updates on the squad and the progress of some of their new signings:
“We live together with the coach for 12 hours a day, evidently I will also have to do better and be more supportive to him.”
“The 3-5-2? This playing system has brought continuity and results over the years and has enhanced a certain type of players. Udinese has created its own identity. Then it’s not that there are particular constraints. In the recent period, the wingers have grown, Kamara and Zemura have scored, Ehizibue has made an assist.”
“Samardzic? Lazar has had a complicated but very important season for his growth. If he doesn’t play, it’s a technical choice. In terms of characteristics, he resembles Pjanic, they also said he was slow and lacked structure.”
“Pererya? At the beginning of Cioffi’s management, Tucu played as a second striker, then with Thauvin’s growth, he was moved to the wing because a player like him should play there. Ebosele? He arrived as a raw diamond, we are doing a deep work on him, individually he has a significant amount of training hours.”
“Lucca? Already during the summer retreat, we noticed that Lucca had the baggage to be a starter. His recent call-up to the National Team was a great satisfaction for him and for the environment. Will we redeem him? There is nothing certain, but it is very likely.”
“Udinese paid a high price for the injuries of Brenner and Davis. Both were in good shape when they arrived. The former was Udinese’s biggest investment, the latter is the biggest regret: he is very physically strong, he could make a difference almost like Lukaku. He was penalized by a series of incredible injuries, last year he played 35 games.”
“Pafundi? The club made a significant investment in him, his debut in the National Team at 16 did not do him well. All together, considering the limited use, we decided to start a new path that is bearing fruit. Losanna is part of an important group, but it’s not certain that Simone will return to play in Udine.”
Regarding Deulofeu, Udinese’s sporting director Franco Collavino added a statement: “The team needed a leader like Deulofeu: in July we were sure of his recovery, but in September he had to undergo surgery again on his knee for a problem that 99% of athletes don’t have after this type of intervention. Now we focus on survival, then we will evaluate investments.”
