Udinese coach Sottil hails young pair Samardzic and Pafundi after victory over AC Milan

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."