The Azzurri Coach previously spent the 2001-02 season with Udinese and he visited the facilities at the Stadio Friuli before Italy play there on 11th June against Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier. “My compliments go to the facilities here and the foresight to build this stadium,” he said to the club’s TV channel. “The game against Liechtenstein is a delicate one, we’ll have to win it and look to do well and improve our goal difference compared to Spain. Because of this, it would be nice to have a full stadium. From what they’ve told me, the fans have never disappointed when Italy have played in Friuli and I believe it will be the same again this year.”  
 
During his visit, Ventura spoke for some time with Luigi Delneri. “You speak with him about football, there’s great respect between us,” added Ventura. “We have the same way of seeing this sport, it’s always nice to meet him and I’m happy for this good moment he’s going through.”
 
Ahead of the second training camp for young players at Coverciano between 20th and 22nd February, Ventura spoke more about youth development. “There are periods in time such as this one when there are a large number of young players coming through,” he said. “They might not be quite ready for the international stage just yet but they have the potential to get there. They need time, to stay calm and understand things but I believe that the conditions are there to do something. This is very positive for the national team, we’re on the verge of a generational change. They can become the core for a winning Italy side.”
 
In the picture (Petrussi), Gian Piero Ventura with Udinese’s Luigi Delneri on the pitch at the Stadio Friuli
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