Kosta Runjaic stands on the verge of dismissal as Udinese head coach following a disastrous run of results culminating in a 5–2 home defeat to Roma at the Bluenergy Stadium. The German manager pays the price for a spiral of poor form that has yielded just a single point over the past two months, leaving the Friulanian club in the relegation zone.
Defensive Collapses and Relegation Zone Reality
Udinese sits in the penultima position with just five points from ten matches, recording one win, two draws, and seven defeats. The team’s recent sequence includes six consecutive losses interrupted only by a draw against Parma where goalkeeper Okoye saved a penalty from Bernabé. The 5–2 defeat against Roma exposed deep defensive frailties, prompting Runjaic to admit in his post-match press conference that the squad’s first-half defensive performance was embarrassing.
Kosta Runjaic is reportedly close to being sacked by Udinese following the 5-2 defeat to Roma.Five consecutive home defeats, with 13 goals conceded and just three scored.Roberto D'Aversa and Paolo Zanetti are the leading candidates to replace him.
Il nostro primo tempo è stato imbarazzante a livello difensivo. Abbiamo concesso reti troppo facili. Una serata no, ora pensiamo a preparare la prossima partita a Venezia.
La Gazzetta dello Sport noted that the club’s defensive problems run deep, with the midfield failing to provide a screen and the attack struggling for goals. The team has surrendered 13 goals while scoring only three during a five-match home losing streak, highlighting an alarming lack of resilience under pressure.
Paolo Zanetti Emerges as the Leading Candidate
Paolo Zanetti has emerged as the primary candidate to replace Runjaic on the Udinese bench, with negotiations underway regarding contract details. Zanetti’s managerial resume in Serie A includes spells with Verona, Empoli, and Venezia—the club he guided to Serie A in 2020, 19 years after their last participation. ANSA reported that Zanetti could potentially make his debut on Friday away against Venezia, facing his former club. Roberto D’Aversa remains a secondary option on the club’s shortlist.
Administrative Delays and Next Steps
The formal announcement regarding Runjaic’s dismissal and the appointment of his successor has faced minor delays. ANSA reported that Gino Pozzo has been managing day-to-day operations while closely monitoring the health of his father, Gianpaolo Pozzo, who was hospitalized with pneumonia. Consequently, official confirmation from the club is not expected before tomorrow. The incoming manager will immediately face a crucial survival clash away at Venezia as Udinese attempts to arrest its alarming descent in the Serie A standings.
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