Udinese Sack head coach Kosta Runjaic

Udinese have decided to part company with head coach Kosta Runjaic following a disastrous start to the Serie A season. The German, who took charge in 2024, paid the price for a run of poor results that left the club second from bottom with just five points after ten games.

The final straw came on Saturday when Udinese suffered a heavy 5-2 home defeat to Roma at the Bluenergy Stadium. The Bianconeri have managed only one win and two draws so far this campaign, suffering seven losses while conceding 23 goals one of the weakest defensive records in the league. Pressure had been building for weeks, and club management moved quickly after the latest setback.

Reports in Italy indicate that Udinese have reached an agreement in principle with Paolo Zanetti to take over until the end of the season, with an option to extend the deal until 2028. The former Hellas Verona, Empoli and Venezia coach is expected to be formally appointed shortly, pending the club’s official announcement. Zanetti has been out of work since leaving Verona earlier this year.

The change leaves Udinese searching for immediate improvement as they prepare for a crucial relegation battle. Their next fixture is a meeting with bottom side Venezia.

The decision ends Runjaic’s tenure after more than two years in Friuli, during which the side had previously shown greater stability before this season’s sharp decline.