Gabriele Cioffi namechecks Nigerian star among the excellent performers after Crotone thrashing

The new Udinese manager praised the club’s Nigerian import after his brilliance helped the Zebras to a comprehensive home win in the cup competition on Tuesday

Super Eagles Isaac Success has drawn praise from Udinese manager Gabriele Cioffi after the Nigerian attacker scored one and provided two assists to power the Zebras to a 4-0 victory over Crotone in a Copa Italia round of 32 clash at the Dacia Arena in Udine.

Despite Success receiving a red card in Cioffi’s first game in charge in the 1-1 draw at home to AC Milan in a Serie A encounter at the weekend, the Italian coach still showed trust in the forward’s ability by including him in the starting lineup against the Serie B side.

And the Nigerian international repaid that trust by assisting both of Ignacio Pussetto’s goals – the opener in the 20th minute and the last in the 62nd minute.

Success scored the third goal of the evening from the penalty spot four minutes before the break to add to De Maio’s 28th-minute strike.

Cioffi, who replaced Luca Gotti in the Udinese dugout only last week, has now overseen a win and a draw in his first two games in charge.

And the 46-year-old is impressed with the attitude of Success and his teammates, who played crucial roles in the midweek win.

“I have had important responses from everyone, and I am happy for Nacho too,” the former defender told Udinese TV.

“I have had many confirmations and several encouraging signs, but the thing I liked the most is the attitude I have seen from the whole team.

“The goal is oxygen for the attackers, so Pussetto and (Isaac) Success who found the goal were good. Too bad for Nestorovski and Forestieri, who came close but nevertheless gave their all. De Maio also played an excellent match, seasoned with goals.”

On-loan from English Premier League side Watford, Success is becoming an influential member of the Udinese attack.

However, the 25-year-old would not be available for selection on Saturday when his side makes the trip to Unipol Domus to face Cagliari, as he serves his one-match ban.