Cannavaro and Nicola react to Udinese-Empoli relegation fight | OneFootball

Fabio Cannavaro expects a ‘tough week’ after Udinese‘s 1-1 draw against Empoli, while Davide Nicola insists the Tuscans should not have had a goal disallowed.

Udinese secured a vital point in a key Serie A match against Empoli on Sunday. Both sides scored from the spot in the second-half stoppage time, but the Tuscans had had a goal disallowed before the break.

Today’s draw means Empoli remain one point below Udinese in the relegation zone before next week’s home game with Roma. On the other hand, the Bianconeri will visit Frosinone, another team involved in the race for survival, in the last round of the season.

“I struggle to come here and talk, but I have to do it,” Nicola told DAZN.

“I respect [referee Marco] Guida, but I disagree with his decisions. He disallowed a valid goal. It’s the fourth time it has happened this season. I’ll stop here because I don’t want to go beyond and I want to respect everyone’s work.

“My lads played a good game and I am happy with them,” the coach continued.

“We’ll prepare for the next match and we must believe in it. I told the lads to bear everything, including injustices.”

How about Udinese’s late penalty?

“There is nothing to say about it. Perhaps the only thing is that it came after additional stoppage time. But now we must focus on the next game, fans included, whom I will always thank.

“I’ll tell the guys to remain united. We have a big week ahead, and we must face it together.”

Cannavaro was understandably in a different mood.

“I lived the penalty with great emotion. The draw was fundamental, but we tried to win it, too. The lads were good because they didn’t lose calm,” the Italian legend said in a post-match interview with DAZN.

“It was a tense match, and we expected it. This point allows us to go to Frosinone and play for it without making calculations. It will be a tough week in which we must work hard.”