Parma head coach Fabio Pecchia expressed caution about Udinese’s physical prowess as his team prepares to face them in Serie A on Monday. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Pecchia highlighted Udinese’s strong start to the season and their aggressive style of play under their new manager.
“When we talk about Udinese, we’re talking about a club that’s been in Serie A for 30 years, that has always done great things, with a style and clear idea about how they want to play football,” Pecchia said. “This year, they’ve started very well, maybe you could call them the queen of the league start.”
The coach emphasized the need for his team to adapt while maintaining their own style of play. “Our style of play and ball playing can’t change too much, we also need to adapt to whoever we face,” he stated. “Udinese have two great wingers and two centre midfielders of a high quality. Our two midfielders will have to work hard, but the back four will need to be brave to drop in very quickly.”
Pecchia also addressed Parma’s ambitions for the season, stating, “Our objective must be clear, our path is set and so is our final objective. We want to try to be ourselves, playing a good brand of football which is fun, fast, vertical and dynamic, trying to pass on enthusiasm.”
Regarding team selection, Pecchia remained tight-lipped, jokingly saying, “I’d be inclined to say Coulibaly +10. Also, Chichizola +10.” He praised new signing Mandela Keita’s fitness and adaptability, noting, “His condition is very good, he came to us fit and ready off the back of a pre-season and is a very smart guy, he’s able to get involved quickly in the group.”
The coach also addressed the exclusion of Wilan Cyprien from the squad, simply stating, “Willy was a brilliant resource for us last season, we can only thank him for that. His position now is a result of Club dynamics.”
