Pinzi Champions League dream

EXCLUSIVE
Udinese midfielder Giampiero Pinzi has exclusively revealed to skysports.com that his side are seriously dreaming of playing in the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Italian Under-21 international praised Udinese for their inspired comeback against fellow Champions League pursuers Lazio at Stadio Olimpico, with Pinzi helping his side from two goals down to earn a creditable draw.

The point leaves Udinese in sixth place in Serie A, three points behind Parma and Lazio as the battle to claim the final Champions League spot intensifies.

"It was great performance," Pinzi told skysports.com on his side's remarkable comeback.

"We were never discouraged by Lazio's goals and kept on playing with calm, the way we are used to."

The Rome-born star grew up as a Lazio fan, but paid homage to his own coach Luciano Spalletti saying the northerners success this term was down to him and their team spirit.

Pinzi said: "He is the man in charge to give us a playing style and he is surely doing a great job.

"But I also want to underline our great team spirit, which helps us never give up and makes everyone help each other."

Speaking on his side's chances of securing a place in Europe, Pinzi added: "Our main goal must be to qualify for the Uefa Cup.

"But things are going so well for us, so obviously we are dreaming of something bigger.

"Grabbing fourth place and getting in the UEFA Champions League preliminary round would be extraordinary."