Cesare Prandelli berated Fiorentina for their lack of character at the Stadio Friuli, but Pasquale Marino insists Udinese aren’t aiming for the Champions League.
The 3-1 result leapfrogs the Friulani into fifth place – just three points shy of the Viola in fourth – and Milan’s slip with Atalanta means it’s all to play for.
“It was a great game between two teams who tried to go for the win,” said Prandelli.
“We deserved to get back into it with Christian Vieri’s goal, but then were caught out. A team like ours cannot concede a goal like that on the counter-attack and affect our whole match.
“This is a missed opportunity, because the team played well and should have shown more character. It’s true Adrian Mutu and Fabio Liverani were suspended, but that doesn’t excuse who played today.”
Udinese were also missing several important players, but came away with a 3-1 victory that has sparked talk of a Champions League push.
“It was an entertaining encounter and both sides enjoyed their football,” added Marino.
“We were helped by the fact we broke the deadlock early on, but I think overall it was a deserved victory. We had a period of difficulty and now we’re visibly improving in terms of performance, fitness and confidence.
“Will we aim for fourth place? We have not talked about it and will only focus on the next game at Siena.”
