Udinese coach Andrea Sottil hailed young pair Lazar Samardzic and Simon Pafundi after victory over AC Milan.

The Zebrette won 3-1, with Sottil himself seeing red.

The coach said, Samardzic will become a champion. He has this technique, talent, a great shot, he anticipates moves so well, we are working with him on improving the intensity of his football. He listens to advice, is eager to make his mark and will go far."

On Pafundi, he also said: He is a kid, born in 2006, who last season only played in the youth team. We rewarded him in the last game of the season with a debut against Salernitana. This term he is part of the squad, there is an important project around him at this club and I am helping to protect him, to let him grow in a relaxed environment.

I agree that he is an asset for Italian football and for Udinese, but there are players with more experience in the side and he needs patience. We are very happy he is called up to the Nazionale, but he was born in 2006 and we don't want to rush things. Roberto Mancini called him, I won't argue with that, he must've had his reasons, we continue our approach going through these various steps."

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Lakers set to benefit from Pelicans’ NBA Draft decision
One rookie quarterback is showing 'elite downfield accuracy' during OTAs
Drew Brees thinks he could be NFL’s best broadcaster
Rangers star second baseman hopes rest helps neck issue
Dodgers designate veteran pitcher for assignment after disastrous outing
Christian Yelich ties Brewers franchise record held by Paul Molitor
Jalen Brunson claps back at tiredness narrative after Knicks' playoff exit
Report: Cowboys quietly 'all-in' on Dak Prescott decision
Report: Bulls drop trade asking price for All-Star
Team Penske tops the charts in NASCAR Cup Series practice at Gateway
Kings make huge decision on head coach Mike Brown
Oilers beat Stars to take 3-2 lead in WCF
Orioles lose two starting pitchers to season-ending surgeries
Yankees' Aaron Judge, Juan Soto make MLB history with impressive offensive numbers
Caitlin Clark frustrated by physical WNBA play: 'I feel like I'm getting hammered'
Bills give Olympic gold medalist chance in NFL
An epic temper tantrum highlighted Day 6 of the French Open
Broncos' Sean Payton shares promising Bo Nix update amid competition
Celtics HC Joe Mazzulla blasts media for Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown coverage
Pistons parting ways with GM after hiring new head of ops

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.