Pozzo Spills the Beans: Udinese Won't Budge, Lucca's Set for Comeback, and Como's Living the Dream

Picture this: you're at the pub, pint in hand, and the chat turns to Italian footy owners with a soft spot for the Championship. That's Giampaolo Pozzo, the man behind Udinese and Watford, who's just dropped some gems in an interview. As reported by Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia, Pozzo's got strong words on his clubs, a wayward striker, and why Como are pulling off the impossible.

Udinese Digging In – No Sale, Just Partners Wanted

Right, let's start with Udinese. Sitting pretty in 11th in Serie A with 39 points from 30 games, they're basically home and dry with eight matches left. Comfortable mid-table, but Pozzo's not resting on his laurels.

He flatly denies the club is up for grabs, despite whispers of a €300m deal that nearly happened. 'We're not selling,' he insists, eyes on becoming more 'European' like Atalanta. Think injecting cash for better players, not flogging the lot. With a regional budget, survival's the aim, but they're open to fund partnerships to push up the table. Smart move, eh? No full takeover, just a boost to chase those European spots they used to sniff.

Striker Love: Davis Delivers, Lucca Needs Time

Now, onto the goals. Udinese nabbed Keinan Davis from Aston Villa for a snip at €3m back in 2023, and blimey, what a punt. The lad's banged in 10 goals and chipped in 3 assists from 26 appearances across all comps. Pozzo's buzzing: 'Pass him the ball, and he scores. Top attitude too, even through the rough patches.'

Then there's Lorenzo Lucca, the towering Italian they shipped to Napoli last summer. Flopped hard with the Partenopei, then shipped off on loan to Nottingham Forest in January. Seen him hugging teammates at Elland Road against Leeds, but form's been patchy. Pozzo's patient: 'He smashed it here, but these things take time. Can't flip from zero to hero overnight at his age. He'll be back scoring with that character we know.' Fingers crossed for the lad – Forest could use a beast up top.

Como's Miracle Run and Watford's Promotion Push

Spare a thought for Como, who are somehow fourth in Serie A, sniffing Champions League footy. Pozzo calls it 'miraculous' – cash alone doesn't cut it, they've nailed management, signings, everything. Cesc Fàbregas barking orders from the touchline at Cagliari, and it's working wonders. 'Incredible stuff,' says Pozzo. 'They've spent wisely.' Jealous? A bit.

Over the Channel, Watford's grafting in the Championship. Tough league, innit? They're scouting young gems to mould, playing the long game for Premier League promotion. 'Patience is key,' Pozzo reckons. 'Let's see if we make it.' With their history of yo-yo seasons, you wouldn't bet against a playoff charge.

In a nutshell, Pozzo's owning his empire with realism and optimism. Udinese safe and scheming, Davis firing, Lucca rebounding, Como defying odds, and Watford grinding. Proper footy chat that – next round's on me if they all deliver.