Udinese Sack Kosta Runjaic and Appoint Paolo Zanetti as New Head Coach
Udinese have confirmed a change in leadership after dismissing Kosta Runjaic following a difficult start to the season. The club have appointed Paolo Zanetti as his replacement, handing the Italian coach a contract through to 30 June 2027 as they look to steady their campaign and restore momentum in Serie A.
Runjaic’s departure comes after Udinese went eight consecutive matches without a win. Their only league victory of the season came against Monza on 29 August, and the run of disappointing results ultimately persuaded the club to make a change. While a managerial switch cannot guarantee an immediate turnaround, Udinese will hope a fresh voice can help the squad rediscover confidence and consistency.
Udinese Confirm Runjaic’s Departure
In its official statement, Udinese said Runjaic had been relieved of his duties as first-team head coach. The club also acknowledged the work he and his staff had done during their time in charge, thanking assistants Małecki and Trukan alongside the German manager.
Udinese described the period as one in which important objectives had been achieved and wished the departing staff success in their future careers. The announcement brings an end to Runjaic’s tenure after more than two years at the club, but the immediate priority is now addressing the team’s poor run of form.
For Udinese supporters, the key question is whether the change can produce a quick response on the pitch. A winless stretch can affect more than league position: it can place pressure on players, complicate tactical planning and make every upcoming fixture feel more significant. Zanetti will therefore inherit a side in need of both results and renewed belief.
Paolo Zanetti Takes Charge Until 2027
Udinese announced that Zanetti has signed a deal running until 30 June 2027. The club’s choice reflects his experience in Italian football and his record of guiding teams through demanding campaigns, including a successful promotion push and several seasons in Serie A.
Born in Valdagno, in the province of Vicenza, on 16 December 1982, Zanetti first built his reputation as a player. He represented clubs including Torino and Atalanta and made five appearances for Italy’s Under-21 side. After retiring, he moved into coaching, beginning with Reggiana’s Berretti team at the age of 33.
His professional coaching career began with Südtirol in the 2017/18 season. Two years in Bolzano helped establish him as a promising young manager and led to a move to Ascoli in Serie B. Those early roles gave Zanetti valuable experience working with teams seeking progress in a competitive and often unpredictable Italian league system.
From Venezia Promotion to Serie A Challenges
Zanetti’s breakthrough arrived in the 2020/21 season, when he guided Venezia to promotion to Serie A. The achievement ended the club’s 19-year absence from Italy’s top division and marked a major milestone in his coaching career. He remained in charge for Venezia’s return to the top flight, gaining further experience against the league’s strongest sides.
He later took over at Empoli, where his team secured Serie A survival in 2022/23. That campaign demonstrated his ability to manage a club with limited room for error, balancing the need to collect points with the challenge of competing against wealthier opponents.
Zanetti’s most recent Serie A spell was with Verona. He led the club to 14th place in the 2024/25 season and remained in the role until February 2026. The experience adds another layer to his profile: he has worked in different environments, from promotion battles to top-flight survival efforts, and must now apply that knowledge at Udinese.
What Zanetti Must Change at Udinese
The new coach’s first task will be to understand why Udinese have struggled to turn performances into victories. He will need to assess the team’s defensive organisation, attacking balance and ability to respond when matches become difficult. Just as importantly, he must identify a system that makes the best use of the players already available.
Early improvements may come through small adjustments rather than a complete tactical overhaul. Clearer roles, stronger communication and greater effectiveness in both penalty areas can make a difference during a difficult spell. Udinese will also need to make better use of home fixtures and avoid allowing frustration to grow when goals or results do not arrive quickly.
For fans following the club’s season, any football prediction about Udinese’s short-term prospects should account for the uncertainty that comes with a new manager. Zanetti’s appointment offers the possibility of a reset, but results will depend on how quickly players adapt to his approach and whether the team can improve its consistency. His previous work suggests he is familiar with the pressures of Italian football, though each new challenge brings different demands.
First Training Session and Introductory Press Conference
Zanetti is scheduled to lead his first training session tomorrow afternoon. His introductory press conference will take place on Wednesday at 3 p.m., when he is expected to outline his priorities and discuss the challenge ahead.
Udinese’s next match, listed for 7 November 2026, will provide an early opportunity to see how the team responds to the change. One fixture will not define Zanetti’s tenure, but the opening weeks will be important as he works to build trust, settle on his preferred lineup and end the club’s winless run.
Runjaic’s exit marks the close of one chapter; Zanetti’s appointment begins another. Udinese now need their new coach to turn experience into points and give supporters a clearer sense of direction. The immediate objective is straightforward: restore confidence, improve results and put the club back on a more stable path in Serie A.
