Udinese

Zebre To Honour UEFA Cup - Marino

Udinese boss Pasquale Marino maintains that his team will not snub the European competition this year.

Nov 6, 2008 10:22:23 AM

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Pasquale Marino, Udinese (Grazia Neri)

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The Friulans are one of the surprise packages in Serie A this season, sitting in second place in the table, trailing Milan by a single point.

But they have also kicked off the UEFA Cup group stage in style a fortnight ago, with a solid defeat of English Premier League side Tottenham at the Stadio Friuli.

The Bianconeri now travel to Moscow to take on Spartak in the second round of games this evening.

“Udinese will not only honour tomorrow’s encounter with the Russians, but also the entire competition,” the former Catania boss said during yesterday’s traditional press conference.

“The club, the players and myself are eager to do well in this European campaign, particularly after the sacrifices we made last season to seize a qualification place. Our fans want us to progress and we cannot betray their faith.”

The Sicilian trainer will likely tinker with the line-up, but he states there is no need to make sweeping changes.

“I will replace someone, but nothing more,” he insisted, “some allege that we are a bit weary, but I disagree.

“Antonio Di Natale has been struck down with a fever and that is the reason why he remained in Udine. Otherwise he would have taken to the pitch tonight.”

Vince Masiello