We are approaching the end of another week in European soccer with the UEFA Champions League knockout phase draw coming up Monday (6 a.m. ET | Paramount+) after the group stage was concluded this midweek and some clubs are already preparing for their unexpected drop into the UEFA Europa League.
We indulged in some nostalgia by chatting with Udinese legend and ex-Italy international Antonio Di Natale as his beloved Friulani turned 125 while the managerial merry-go-round has been in full spin elsewhere.
We catch you up with anything you might have missed.
Toto talks
These days, Di Natale is coaching Carrarese in Serie C and although the early part of his managerial career is his priority, he was delighted to sit down with CBS Sports for an exclusive chat about all things Udinese and Serie A.
“It is going to be an incredible game,” said the 44-year-old of this weekend’s clash between the Zebrette and title-chasing AC Milan on Saturday (2:45 p.m. ET | Paramount+). “Playing against Milan is always important. Also, for the Bianconeri fans, Milan clashes are always very enjoyable. I just hope that Udinese can win as it would be key for their season.”
Despite having left Dacia Arena in 2016 when he retired, Udinese remains an important part of who Di Natale given his deep ties with the club which he represented for 12 years after starting his career with Empoli in Tuscany.
“It is an honor for me,” said the man from Naples of being so closely associated with the club and the city of Udine. “Udinese is a part of my life and the Pozzo family (club owners) always helped me. Then there were the fans, who made me feel like I was one of them. I did my absolute best for Udinese, and it was unforgettable after 12 years together and many records broken. It is my second home.”
There was no shortage of temptation along the way as both Juventus and hometown club Napoli tried to lure Di Natale away from Friuli Venezia Giulia, but he chose to remain loyal and was rewarded with legendary status which still endures to this day.
“It was easy to reject Juve and Napoli,” said the former Azzurri star. “I had a long-term contract with Udinese, an incredible relationship with the Pozzo family and the Friulani fans. My family also loved Udine as a city. When I had the chance to join Juve, I turned them down as I was happy there. I was given the chance to play at two Euros, one World Cup and in the Champions League by Udinese — staying was great for me.”
Di Natale misses the days when Serie A sides boasted almost an entire starting XI of top-class individuals, but he can also see the benefits for Italy with so many young talents now breaking through at international level.
“It was incredible a few years ago,” he said. “Each team had eight or nine top players in their squad. Now it is different and there are many normal players. However, it helps the young players with the national team as they have more room to grow.”
While Di Natale might not be a candidate to replace the sacked Luca Gotti this time, there is little doubt that he will return to lead Udinese at some point once he has served his coaching apprenticeship in calcio.
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Leipzig landing
Domenico Tedesco has been appointed as RB Leipzig’s new boss after Jesse Marsch’s split with the German outfit and the 36-year-old returns to the Bundesliga after a two-year spell with Spartak Moscow followed his Schalke 04 stint.
“I am really excited to be at RB Leipzig and can hardly wait to get going with the team out on the pitch,” said the Italy-born German. “My conversations with those in charge and my first impressions of the club overall were brilliant. I was also able to say a few words to the team which was very important to me.
“I have not just been involved with RB Leipzig since Wednesday. There have always been times when our paths have crossed. During my time as an apprentice, for example, I was here to observe. It was already important me to do that at RB Leipzig, as it is a very structured environment here, a team with extremely high potential which is something we need to call on now. RB Leipzig are extremely innovative, with huge potential and very clear goals.”
Puel punted
Udinese and Leipzig were not the only clubs changing coach this week as Claude Puel finally was relieved of his duties as AS Saint-Etienne’s general manager. Bottom of Ligue 1 and with relegation a very real danger, the 60-year-old was given his marching orders and replaced in the interim by ex-player Julien Sable who has already had one spell on the bench at Stade Geoffroy Guichard. ASSE are expected to confirm Puel’s definitive departure shortly.
Juninho jumps
The departures do not stop there either as Olympique Lyonnais legend Juninho Pernambucano is expected to leave his role as sporting director shortly having already confirmed his desire to move on at the end of this campaign — if not before.
The Brazilian has not enjoyed the easiest of returns to Groupama Stadium while Les Gones have been troubled at times this term, notably in their recent clash with Olympique de Masrseille which saw Dimitri Payet struck with a bottle.
Lyon and Marseille will replay the game at a neutral venue behind closed doors while OL have been docked on point as French soccer continues to grapple with a wave of unsavory scenes in the stands this year.
