Udinese's Francesco Guidolin expecting 'the real AC Milan' to show up for Saturday's Serie A clash

The Scudetto holders have had a blip in form after defeats to Lazio and Juventus and a home draw with Napoli, but the opposition coach expects a difficult game this weekend

11 Feb 2012 08:57:00

By Gareth McKnight

More On :  AC Milan, Udinese, Francesco Guidolin
Francesco Guidolin - Udinese (Getty Images)
Getty Images

Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin has admitted that he expects "the real AC Milan" to show up for Saturday's Serie A clash.

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The Scudetto holders have been beaten by Lazio and Juventus and drawn with Napoli in their last three games amid talk of a crisis at the Giuseppe Meazza, but the 56-year-old believes that his side are in for a difficult 90 minutes.

The Stadio Friuli chief does not believe the hype regarding his opponents' travails and has spoken of the quality in Massimiliano Allegri's team.

“Milan deservedly won the league last season and, wherever they play, they try to control the game immediately,” Guidolin told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

“I think they are a team that can compete with the biggest in Europe, whilst we express good football but can improve more and more.

“We are taking part this season as protagonists, but to remain on top and try to move forward in Europe is hard and expensive.

"You say that Milan are not themselves with their absences? I tell you that I expect the real Milan tomorrow.

“I care about tomorrow and I know that that if we are not focused, attentive and good, it will be very tough because I do not trust this ‘uncertain’ Milan.

“In fact, I think it is a team of pride and quality and you can say whatever you want but I will not fall for it. I expect a tough and difficult match. Everything else is just talk," the Udine outfit's boss concluded.

Udinese are three points behind Milan in the Serie A table going into the fixture, with the hosts in fourth and the defending champions in second place.

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