Udinese: Runjaic 'lowest point with Lecce, restart with Milan'

"In three years at Udinese, the match against Lecce was our worst. We gave up, it must never happen again." Kosta Runjaic is not looking for an excuse on the eve of the home match against Milan, which arrives after five consecutive defeats and with his bench increasingly under pressure. The Juventus coach admits the mistakes and asks for an immediate reaction: "The fans are right to be disappointed. We have to demonstrate commitment, compactness and concentration from the first to the last minute. During the week I tried to take pressure off the team. Against Lecce we were perhaps even too motivated, but we weren't able to react."

The owners confirmed their trust in the coach, who does not hide his responsibilities: "The club is satisfied with my work, the trust is mutual, but it must be repaid. I know there is pressure and I have to take it on. With a few more points we would still be angry, but in a different situation."

To regain team spirit, the retreat was decided on the eve of the match: "We are compact and cohesive, but if we don't all give our best we can lose against anyone. We will have many hours to talk and raise awareness among the boys."

The most important news concerns the infirmary. Zaniolo is back available but will start from the bench: "He will play a few minutes, we have to manage him because we know his injury history. He is frustrated and has a great desire to contribute." Piotrowski has also definitively recovered, while Solet remains in doubt due to a muscle problem. Zanoli, however, is out of action due to a relapse, fortunately without injuries.

Abankwah available, Bayo and Gueye absent.

On a tactical level, Runjaic expects a game of sacrifice: "We will have less possession of the ball than in the last few games, but keeping the ball does not guarantee points. We will need attention on second balls and the ability to remain united in difficulties".

Particular attention to set pieces, after the two goals conceded from corners against Lecce: "Milan are very strong in these situations. We will have to defend better. We also saw Thursday's match, in the Europa League, obviously there are different tactical interpretations, it was clear that he has great qualities, he can play vertically. In one-on-one situations he is very strong. They have doubles in every role, I don't think it will be a headache to have a few less players, in fact whoever has space will try to exploit it to show off, so we will have to do it first and foremost take to the field safe."

Finally, the coach recalls the 3-0 win against the Rossoneri last season: "Even then they created chances and Okoye made a great save. To win, you will need the same spirit."