Preview: Seedorf looking for second successive win
The Dutch manager begun his managerial career on a winning note and will now be hoping to carry the winning instincts to the second match. In his first match in charge of AC Milan, a club where he spent 10 glorious years as a player, the Rossoneri notched up all three points courtesy of a late penalty by Mario Balotelli.
And even though a 1-0 win would not give the impression of a dominant performance by Seedorf’s side, the Dutchman declared that he was more than satisfied with the effort his players had put.
"I am happy for the squad, as there is a lot of work to do and a win helps to make it all feel easier,” said Milan’s new manager.
"We didn't have much time to prepare for this game over the last few days, but the players did very well to put pressure on Hellas and to keep our rivals in their own half.”
"Although we won thanks to a penalty, I still believe we deserved the win considering our overall performance.”
They will now face a Udinese side who like Milan have been thoroughly disappointing this season, the Zebrette are currently 15th in the league table and Milan will try to heap misery on Francesco Guidolin’s when they two sides meet on Wednesday. Udinese have lost thrice in their last five matches and a defeat tonight will be their third consecutive.
The Bianconeri pulled off an upset in the last round of the Coppa Italia when they defeated Inter Milan 1-0 and will be hoping to knock out another San Siro side from the competition. Just three points shy of the relegation zone, Udinese’s run in the league has been disastrous so far and Francesco Guidolin would be hoping to make amends with better performances in cup competitions.
However the Coppa Italia seems to hold a lot of significance for Milan as well who see the Italian Cup as the only route to participation in a European competition next season as stated by Seedorf’s assistant Mauro Tassotti, who insisted that Milan will give in their all in order to ensure a victory.
"The Coppa Italia seems the best route to qualify for Europe next season," he told reporters.
"We'll play with a side to win. Every player that takes to the pitch will have to have keep this in mind.”
"Knockout matches are always dangerous. We're favourites because of home advantage and Udinese will play with less pressure on them."
"Even though they're struggling, they're a good side, they've got good players and against us in the Coppa Italia they've got a good record. We want to progress."
In their last cup encounter the Rossoneri scored a comfortable 3-1 victory over Spezia courtesy of goals from Robinhno, Pazzini and Honda. With the match against Udinese being their second in the space of four days Seedorf is expected to make a few changes to the side that played against Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Milan vs Udinese live on Wedesnday, January 22, 2014:
In Canada at 14:45 ET on beIN Sports Play Canada
In UK at 19:45 GMT on Sky Sports 3/HD, Sky Go, NOW TV
In US at 14:45 ET on beIN Sports Play
Fans in Netherlands can catch the action live on Fox Sports 4.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Milan vs Udinese match page.
