In what was probably the most clinical performance of this, or any Serie A season, Udinese dispatched seven goals into the Palermo net.Udinese this season have been highly entertaining to watch, with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Antonio Di Natale conjuring up breathtaking moment after breathtaking moment. Already this season, Udinese have beaten Juventus and Inter, not to mention a scintillating 4-4 draw against Milan. But today's result against Palermo tops the lot. With attackers Di Natale and Sanchez on fire in front of goal, Udinese smashed seven past a helpless Palermo side, likely to soon be shorn of their coach, Dellio Rossi.
The win was made even more incredible by the distribution of the goals within the team. Despite scoring seven, only two players' names actually made it onto the score sheet, with Sanchez netting four and Di Natale plundering a hat trick. Sanchez's contribution to the game was particularly telling. The Chilean winger's second goal of the game brought back memories of Ronaldo's 2006 World Cup goal against Ghana, having been played through by the aforementioned Di Natale, Sanchez beat the keeper with a double step over, and slotted the ball into the empty net. Then, after scoring his fourth just minutes into the second half, Sanchez was substituted, to the sound of a standing ovation from the Palermo crowd, one reminiscent of another Brazilian superstar, Ronaldinho.
Looking away from the individual aspect of this match, the three points secured by Udinese in Sicily put the team just one point off fourth place in the Serie A. And with current fourth place occupants Lazio in indifferent form at the moment, Francesco Guidolin's side will fancy their chances of a successful Champions League push.
Unfortunately for Udinese, there is also a negative side to their comprehensive, 7-0 win. Having starred at the World Cup in South Africa, Udinese did well to keep Alexis Sanchez at the club for this season alone, and they will surely find it impossible to keep him for next season, even if they do qualify for next year's Uefa Champions League. Manchester United are said to be lurking, but if rumors of a move for Ashley Young are true, then Sanchez may well be headed for a different destination other than Manchester.
Will Udinese qualify for the Champions League?
How much is Alexis Sanchez worth?
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