Udinese Swap Out Zanetti for Runjaic in Their Dugout

Udinese have become the 5th Serie A team to change its coach in just ten rounds, hiring Paolo Zanetti after parting ways with Kosta Runjaic. The Friuliani haven’t won in eight matches, drawing once over that span, and are penultimate.

The Bianconeri had appointed the Polish manager after his Legia Warsaw stint in 2024. He led them to two comfortable finishes, in 12th and 10th place. However, he couldn’t do the trick in this one. They have been hit by several injuries and haven’t properly replaced the players who left, Arthur Atta and Thomas Kristensen.

After succeeding Runjiac, Zanetti will begin his Udinese spell against the team that almost hired him a month ago, Venezia, Messaggero Veneto reports. The Lagunari went with Davide Nicola, notching just three points in four tilts, though.

It’s the first time the 42-year-old coach has taken over a club midseason. In his last two sojourns, at Verona and Empoli, he landed the plane in his first campaign but was sacked early the following one, and his side ended up being relegated.

Two more coaching changes could be next, Sportitalia reports. Sassuolo are examining Alberto Aquilani, as they have fallen into a slump after a few early wins. Atalanta have confirmed Maurizio Sarri for now, but the brass wants better results.

Our Take on Udinese Firing Runjiac and Appointing Zanetti

The former’s methods and ideas worked in the past, but they have been so listless and leaky this season that it seems the players tuned him out. The latter has done okay with talented squads, not so much when he needed to add an extra something. Aquilani has looked so defeated in the last couple of matches, while Atalanta have never really gotten going this season.