Guidolin keeps lid on final match dreams

Udinese boss Francesco Guidolin is refusing to get carried away despite his side being just one point away from a Champions League berth.

And with a home clash against Serie A champions AC Milan in their final game, it is understandable that Guidolin is making sure his men are firmly focused on the job at hand.

Udinese could even afford to lose against Milan, provided Lecce take points from fifth-placed Lazio, but Guidolin is not contemplating defeat as he tries to steer his side to just their second Champions League appearance.

“We’ve been saying for a few weeks now that our season would be decided with a photo-finish and that will be the case,” Guidolin said.

“Tomorrow we are facing a very tough opponent that deservedly won the title and can hurt us at any time.”

“I do not see that Udinese have an advantage over Lazio.”

“We trust in our own form and our style of play that has always taken the initiative in every game.”

“It’s normal that tension is growing, especially within me, but we mustn’t let ourselves get distracted.”

“We’re so close to the dream and, even if it will be difficult, we want to make it come true. It’s now or never.”

Guidolin hailed the fighting qualities his players have shown this season, and he believes a Champions League place would be just reward for all the hard work his men have put in.

“It has been a long way up, like those infinite climbs you face which you need to use your strength sparingly and never look behind,” he said.

“We have pushed hard and suffered a bit, because we didn’t start well so we had to pull it back. We responded in great fashion though, we’ve done a great job. ”

“That’s what we’ve done this season, but it hasn’t finished yet, it will finish tomorrow. So tomorrow we could achieve our aim and make our dream come true or not.”