Balzaretti: ‘Samardzic and Perez focused on Udinese’

Udinese director Federico Balzaretti reiterates Lazar Samardzic and Nehuen Perez start against Fiorentina because they are focused on this club, not transfer rumours around Juventus, Napoli and Milan.

It kicks off at the Stadio Franchi at 17.00 GMT.

“We are concentrated on the game. Both Perez and Samardzic will play, so the club, coach and directors give nothing for free,” Balzaretti told DAZN.

“They only start if they deserved it with their training during the week and we expect good performances from them.”

Coach Gabriele Cioffi had been dropping Samardzic to the bench over the last few weeks, partly due to the rumours surrounding his future.

However, the midfielder is given his first start in a month and this can be seen as a further sign that – despite the reports – a transfer to Napoli is not imminent.

There are also suggestions of interest from Juventus and Premier League clubs including Brighton and Hove Albion.

Napoli are trying to do a double deal with Udinese for both Samardzic and defender Nehuen Perez, although Milan are keeping an eye on the Argentine too.