Guidolin lambasts Udinese attitude

A ‘disappointed and bitter’ Francesco Guidolin bemoaned Udinese’s lack of humility after their 2-0 loss to Parma on Sunday.

Udinese had a chance to take the outright lead in Serie A with victory at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

But Jonathan Biabiany’s goal and a penalty from Sebastian Giovinco sealed victory for the home side, leaving Guidolin furiously blaming his team’s apparent complacency.

“The difference was in humility, which is the fundamental quality for every team and man,” Guidolin said.

“Parma did well to remain humble.”

“It was clear this game would be decided by individual incidents, but I am disappointed and bitter, as I thought I’d see my team with a different attitude.”

A second defeat in four matches leaves Udinese fourth, one point behind leaders Juventus, who have played one match fewer than Guidolin’s side.

Udinese finished fourth last term, earning a chance of Champions League qualification, but Guidolin is adamant his team have no automatic right to repeat the feat this season.

“With performances like this, Udinese cannot fight for the top-six places,” he said.

“The leading teams do not play like this.”

“I’ve said from the start we are different to last season.”

“We have to aim low, because this is a dangerous campaign for everyone. If you think outside your real dimension, you’re in trouble.”

Parma coach Franco Colomba was thankful his team’s adventurous approach paid dividends, with a second win in three matches lifting the club up to 10th on the table.

“We don’t make distinctions when preparing for matches, as quite simply everyone in Serie A is tough, so we face each opponent the same way,” Colomba said.

“You can tell that we take on everyone with open and attacking football, which is why we so rarely draw.”

Colomba was relieved his team were able to withstand a period of intense Udinese pressure, and knows he can rely on the star men Biabiany and Giovinco to produce when it matters.

“In those five minutes when Antonio Floro Flores and Antonio Di Natale tested us, there were concerns, but we managed to get the measure of them and turn the situation in our favour,” he said.

“I saw a solid squad with the right humility and desire to do well. That is what’s needed to support our diamonds, Giovinco and Biabiany. They are our crown jewels.”