Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino was delighted with victory over Udinese.

The 2-0 win moves Genoa closer to Serie A safety.

Gilardino said: "I'm very happy with the boys' performance, we interpreted it in the best way.

"We knew that the first part of the match could be as it was, we were a bit slow in turning the ball from behind, but then we took control of the game, we speeded up the game and created the conditions to be able to score goals.

"Credit to the boys, we dribbled in a positive way, the regret of not having scored the third remains goal. It remains a match faced with the right mentality and the right attitude."

On goalscorer Mateo Retegui, he said: "Yes, both I and my collaborators work with him, like everyone else in the offensive department, trying to polish him in everything: in the first control, in the movement, in the attack on the goal... The improvements can be seen thanks to will, perseverance at work, desire to improve. Tonight, in addition to the goal like a great striker, he put in an important performance."

"He definitely has a little more physicality than I had, he moves very well in the area, there is room for improvement in the open field and in team maneuvering. This is a fact."