Official: Udinese Sack Kosta Runjaic With Paolo Zanetti Lined Up

Udinese Calcio have officially dismissed head coach Kosta Runjaic following a disastrous run of results that culminated in a heavy home defeat. The club moved swiftly after days of intensive internal reflection, with former Hellas Verona manager Paolo Zanetti lined up as his immediate successor to stabilize the Bianconeri’s faltering Serie A campaign.

The Fall of Kosta Runjaic After a Brutal Run

The decision to relieve Kosta Runjaic of his duties comes after weeks of mounting pressure at the Stadio Friuli. Having worked with the club for over two years and achieved notable objectives during his tenure, Runjaic ultimately paid the price for a dreadful sequence of form. Udinese have gone eight matches without recording a win in Serie A, with their only league victory of the current term dating back to a 29 August triumph against Monza.

Saturday’s 5-2 home humiliation at the hands of Roma proved to be the final straw for the club hierarchy. The defensive collapse exposed deep vulnerabilities within the squad, leaving the Bianconeri stranded on just five points from their opening 10 matches. In an official statement, Udinese Calcio confirmed the departure: “Udinese Calcio has announced that Kosta Runjaic has been relieved of his duties as first team head coach. The club and the coach part ways, having worked together for over two years and achieved important objectives. Udinese Calcio would like to give its sincere thanks to Kosta and his staff members, Przemyslaw Małecki and Alexander Trukan, and wishes them the very best in their future professional endeavours.”

Paolo Zanetti Steps In Under Strict Terms

With Runjaic dismissed alongside his coaching staff, Paolo Zanetti is primed to take the reins. Zanetti has been out of work since being sacked by Hellas Verona in February. According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, Udinese have established strict parameters for the incoming coach, offering a contract only until June alongside a strict limit of bringing in just two members of his own backroom staff.

Zanetti’s immediate task is to arrest an alarming slide toward the Serie B trapdoor. His baptism of fire is scheduled for Friday, where he will lead Udinese into a crucial, high-stakes relegation six-pointer away against bottom-placed Venezia.

Rebuilding Confidence Ahead of the Venezia Clash

The atmosphere at Udinese requires an immediate psychological lift. Runjaic’s tenure ends after a period of admirable stability, but modern football demands swift corrective action when the threat of relegation looms large. Zanetti’s arrival brings a track record of battling in the lower reaches of Serie A, making him a pragmatic choice for the club’s board.

As negotiations finalize and only Zanetti’s signature remains pending, the squad must quickly adapt to new tactical demands. Friday night’s fixture at Venezia carries enormous weight, potentially setting the tone for the remainder of Udinese’s campaign.