Embracing the Kosta Runjaic Mentality – A Surprise European Charge for Udinese
Following an unimaginably frustrating campaign that returned endless talking points, Udinese find themselves nestled in the top half of Serie A and within striking distance of an unimaginable European position.
To the football fan of a particular era, Le Zebrette is a perennial feature in Italian football’s top tier, previously showcasing household names like Bruno Fernandes, Alexis Sanchez, Antonio Di Natale and more. But for the connoisseur of European football, this passionate club has routinely punched above its weight while contending with the regular departure of their star names and essential cogs.
Having avoided relegation dramatically with a final-day victory, Franco Soldati opted to part company with Fabio Cannavaro – his third manager during a campaign that returned 19 draws from 38 outings. The arrival of Kosta Runjaic initially settled the ranks of a confused Stadio Friuli, with ten points from a possible 18, including a victory against Lazio that supplied some confidence for a positive season.
However, two wins from the following five have left some feeling aggrieved with frustrating defeats against AC Milan and Venezia applying a sour taste for many. Showcasing an average finish of 13th across the past five seasons and six different tactical minds taking their place in the hot seat, Soldati has now placed his faith in a high-tempo, attack-minded brand of football while integrating the club’s talented youngsters.
Now in its 127th year of operation, supporters crave a return to the magical period of 2010-13, with a Lorenzo Lucca-spearheaded generation capable of surprising more than a handful of eager spectators.
Embracing the benefits of change
Few could have imagined a more nail-biting conclusion to an intensely troublesome campaign, but I Bianconeri are a dogged bunch and embraced the rollercoaster of 2023-24. With Andrea Sottil departing on October 24, Gabriele Cioffi returned for another tilt in a caretaker capacity following his stint in 2021. Results continued to offer little hope for survival, with an impulsive President opting to introduce the legendary figure of Cannavaro for a make-or-break six-game domestic period.
Without a club since being removed from his role at Benevento in February 2023, the 51-year-old embraced the challenge, staying undefeated in the final five fixtures and ultimately earning a 76th-minute Keinan Davis final-day winner against Frosinone to maintain Udinese’s Serie A status.
A hugely successful two-month period for the former Ballon d’Or winner left many hopeful he would extend his stay. However, this was short-lived following a decision by Giampaolo Pozzo to cut ties, with Cannavaro taking to social media to advise supporters of his disappointment.
“Pozzo communicated to me today the club’s decision not to continue our professional relationship. I thank him for the opportunity given to me, and I regret not being able to continue this short but intense journey, which in the last month and a half of the season has led us to accomplish a great and exciting undertaking.
“I’d like to point out that on my part there would have been the desire to continue this adventure in Friuli, a land that has entered my heart as well as its people, and for this reason, I had made myself available to the club unconditionally. I wish the club, the players and the wonderful Udinese fans the best successes.”
Naturally, many were left bemused by the decision. But the hierarchy remained unfazed, having compiled an ambitious strategic framework to utilise a potentially gifted crop of players.
Central to their plans was a veteran tactician known for entrusting youth, and they unanimously settled on 53-year-old Runjaic. The Vienna-born coach is a proficient communicator with a proven track record of adapting to his surroundings, delivering a Polish Cup and Super Cup during a profitable two-year spell at Legia Warsaw.
The club immediately acquired the permanent services of the imposing frontman Lucca for a modest fee of €8 million, alongside the talented 19-year-old forward Iker Bravo from Bayer Leverkusen. Initial concerns about the former Warsaw man eased following a surprisingly bright start. A defensively sound opening-day away draw against Bologna was followed by a trio of consecutive victories against Lazio, Como and Parma – each highlighting a different layer to a new-look dynamic.
From the outside, it was clear the squad had immediately bought into his new ideals, with a smooth transition to a demanding structure and early excitement through Brenner, Florian Thauvin and the talented Lucca. Despite earning ten points from a possible 12 – a prospect few could only have dreamt about a month prior, Runjaic demanded more from his unit, emphasising the leadership that made him a stand-out candidate for an erratic hierarchy.
Back-to-back defeats followed against the perennial powerhouses of Roma and Inter before adding another three points in a commanding win against Lecce. It was a welcome outing for the little zebras, with their leader quick to remind the Italian public of his expectations for the season.
“We showed that we can be an uncomfortable team for everyone, but in the first half, I didn’t like some things – we were slow in moving the ball, and we could have even gone behind. After that, we grew. We have been working for three months – I think we have gotten to know each other well in these months – we always learn something new every week.”
Frustratingly, injury halted any early progress of Thauvin, with the 31-year-old enjoying a renaissance under his new leader. The Frenchman has crafted a notable understanding with his attacking teammates, and his absence coincided with frustrating defeats to Milan and Venezia during October.
Despite his rather bizarre willingness to openly crave a move as a “top club player”, his craft and experience have helped harbour the early growth of a talented dressing room. Furthermore, his ability has propelled Udinese into an attacking force domestically, with the imposing 6’7″ frame of his forward partner striking fear into opposition.
With six goals in 13 appearances, Lorenzo Lucca is already on track for his most prolific season as a professional. Fundamentally, he has welcomed the cross-happy approach of a 352 setup and has caused havoc with his ability to maximise his aerial domination.
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His impressive form is undeniable, and his ability to lead a line earned reward with a first senior Italian cameo in a 4-1 victory against Israel in October. Inevitably, the domestic superpowers have begun tempting a potential deal, with Juventus eager to test the club’s resolve with a January move.
Runjaic is desperate to retain his hitman for the season and hopes to replicate the stellar work of Thiago Motta and Bologna during last season’s memorable run to European football.
Much to admire and plenty to fuel a passionate supporter base
As always, immersing myself within a continental supporter base opens a symphony of diverse opinions, with the consensus circulating a general feeling of reservation. It is a fanbase that adopts their football club like few others I have met, with a reasonable acceptance that many of their beloved players will inevitably move on, and the cycle begins again. However, despite a history of erratic boardroom decisions, a sense of modern focus on the academy allows for successful succession planning, with a possibility of perennial placement in the top half of Serie A obtainable.
Having shaken off the disappointment of Cannavaro, supporters are encouraged by their new-look team and crave further progression from Jordan Zemura and the emergence of former fan-favourite Sanchez following injury. Their next test comes with a trip to Atalanta for a Sunday start of 11:30, with Gian Piero Gasperini’s men enjoying a formidable run with five successive victories en route to third position.
Like anything, nothing in football is a guarantee. But, the love, admiration and desire of I Friulani remain every present, with the prospect of a memorable campaign not out of the question.
By: Shaun Connolly / @shaunconnolly85
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