FP
Fakayejo Paul
Udinese Calcio have officially confirmed the appointment of Paolo Zanetti as their new first-team head coach. The 43-year-old Italian manager has signed a deal running through June 30, 2027.
The decision comes hours after the club officially parted ways with Kosta Runjaić, ending his two-year spell in charge.
What Triggered the Change
- 8-Game Winless Run: Udinese have taken just five points from their opening 10 Serie A fixtures this season, going winless across their last eight matches.
- Roma Breaking Point: Saturday’s heavy 5-2 home defeat to Roma proved to be the final straw for the hierarchy, leaving the Friulani languishing in the relegation zone.
- Runjaić Departure: The club thanked Runjaić and assistant coaches Przemysław Małecki and Alexander Trukan for their service, acknowledging the stability achieved over the previous two seasons.
Zanetti’s Profile & Debut Schedule
- Management Experience: Zanetti brings previous Serie A managerial experience from stints at Venezia, Empoli, and Hellas Verona.
- Immediate Start: Zanetti takes his first training session on Tuesday afternoon, followed by his official media presentation on Wednesday at 15:00 local time.
- Crucial Debut: His first official match in charge comes on Friday evening away against bottom-of-the-table Venezia—his former club.