章節 96: Chapter 96: League Slump
Chapter 96: League Slump
In the middle of the week, European competition resumed with the knockout stages. Udinese faced their opponent in the Europa League Round of 32 on Thursday night at Friuli Stadium, against the formidable Dutch team, AZ Alkmaar.
Founded in 1967, AZ Alkmaar is a relatively young team but has grown rapidly. By the first decade of the 21st century, it had become the fourth major force in the Dutch Eredivisie, trailing only behind Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord. Two years ago, in the Round of 16 of the Europa League, Udinese had previously faced Alkmaar and suffered a 0:2 defeat away, although they managed a 2:1 victory at home, they were eliminated with an aggregate score of 2:3, halting at the Europa League's last sixteen.
Now facing each other again, Udinese was determined not to repeat the setbacks of two years ago. Due to the schedule starting with a home game followed by an away game, Udinese lacked the home advantage in the second leg, necessitating a significant first-leg advantage at home.
This situation mirrored their Coppa Italia semi-final against Fiorentina where Udinese secured a commanding first-leg home win. Despite a 0:2 loss in the second leg away, they still managed to eliminate their opponent over the two legs, even allowing key players to rest.
Hence, Coach Guidolin hoped to replicate the performance of the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.
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However, once the match started, both teams were locked in a deadlock. It wasn't until the 27th minute that Udinese managed to break the impasse with Bruno providing an assist and Di Natale scoring the first goal, igniting excitement at the Friuli Stadium.
Just when it seemed like Udinese had finally found their path to victory, AZ Alkmaar quickly equalized three minutes later, in the 30th minute, with a set-piece goal. Alkmaar earned a free-kick in a promising position, and Gudelj's direct shot forced an error from Udinese's goalkeeper, leading to a rebound that Alkmaar's captain, Wijndal, converted, making the score 1:1.
No further goals were scored in the first half. Despite playing at home and under the vigorous cheers of the Friuli Stadium, Udinese struggled to contain the visitors.
After Bruno assisted Di Natale's opening goal, Alkmaar intensified their defense on him, applying a double teaming strategy. Caught in the opposition's trap, Udinese lacked another reliable point of attack, a severe issue they faced throughout the season.
During halftime, to enhance the offense, Coach Guidolin substituted Mahrez in for Kanté. This change was seen by many as risky and somewhat foolish since Kanté was one of the better-performing defensive midfielders, yet he was replaced, leaving a less effective Alan on the pitch, and virtually dismantling Udinese's midfield barrier.
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However, Mahrez's entry proved energetic; tirelessly running in midfield, he participated actively in both the defense and offense. Importantly, his collaboration with Bruno improved significantly.
Many believed that Mahrez should have replaced Alan instead of Kanté. Mahrez's strong dribbling skills, after coming on, drew significant defensive attention away from Bruno, gradually restoring his influence in the game. As a result, Udinese's performance began to improve markedly.
With Bruno's tactical passes and Mahrez's penetrations, Udinese regained control of midfield and revitalized their offense.
Finally, in the 84th minute, Bruno passed to Mahrez, who dribbled past an Alkmaar player and sent the ball into the penalty area. Di Natale successfully beat the offside trap and scored on his first touch, marking his second goal of the game and dramatically turning the tide for Udinese.
"Antonio Di Natale! He's scored twice! What an incredible performance! He's pulled Udinese back from the brink!" exclaimed the local TV commentator, filled with excitement.
The goal-scoring Di Natale was thrilled, running towards Mahrez for a celebratory embrace and beckoning Bruno to join them. Nearly all Udinese players on the field converged around Di Natale, enveloping him in celebration.
The cheers from the stands of the Friuli Stadium were deafening, echoing far and wide. Coach Guidolin, too, was visibly exhilarated, vigorously waving his arms and shouting passionately.
The tension he had been carrying seemed to finally lift...
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On the afternoon of February 23rd, Udinese continued to play at Friuli Stadium, facing Atalanta in the 25th round of Serie A. This match made Guidolin the coach with the most matches in Udinese's history.
Atalanta's season had been average, but they were known for occasional impressive performances, such as a 3:0 victory over Napoli at home and draws against Roma and Inter Milan. In their first meeting this season, Udinese had lost 0:2 away, marking one of their heaviest defeats, second only to a 0:3 loss against Inter Milan.
With a crucial Europa League playoff match in the Netherlands looming the following week, Guidolin adjusted his starting lineup for this game. Apart from Bruno, who continued to start, several key players including captain Di Natale were rested.
Facing Atalanta, Udinese often appeared somewhat at a loss. Despite having the upper hand in ball possession, they were unable to penetrate the opponent's defense.
Udinese lacked reliable scorers besides Di Natale. Muriel and Lopez were inconsistent, repeatedly failing to capitalize on opportunities created by Bruno.
Atalanta seized their sole chance in the 24th minute when Raimondi lofted a ball to Brieva, who scored with a back-post lob. Once again, Udinese's goalkeeping was subpar.
Udinese's 34 goals conceded placed them 10th among the 20 Serie A teams, a standing incongruous with their third place in the points table. Evidently, the goalkeeper position was Udinese's weakest link, with none of their goalkeepers—Bourkichi, Klava, Scuffet, or Canizares—proving reliable.
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Unwilling to mark the most-coached game in Udinese history with a loss, Guidolin made tactical substitutions in the 66th minute, sending Di Natale onto the field.
With Di Natale's entry, Udinese's threat on Atalanta's goal markedly increased, and by the 71st minute, they had equalized. Bruno lofted the ball into the box, Nico Lopez's shot was parried by Consigli, and Di Natale was fouled by Stendardo as he attempted the follow-up. Di Natale then converted the penalty himself.
After equalizing, Udinese intensified their attacks but failed to score a second goal. Instead, Atalanta's substitute Chigarini almost scored a late winner, but his volley struck the crossbar.
Fortunate to escape with a draw, Udinese was resigned to accept yet another stalemate. After 25 league rounds, their points had only increased to 53. While they maintained their third-place standing, the gap with the teams ahead was widening.
Juventus was far ahead with 65 points from 21 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. Roma followed with 59 points from 18 wins, 5 draws, and 2 losses, six points ahead of Udinese. It was becoming apparent that Udinese was struggling to keep up.
Juventus, robust in squad depth, not only won their mid-week Europa League match 2:0 but also triumphed in the Turin derby with a 1:0 victory over Torino during the weekend.
Following their elimination from the Coppa Italia semi-finals by Napoli, Roma could now focus solely on Serie A, making it tough for Udinese to catch up in what was increasingly becoming a challenging league campaign.
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