Official: Udinese appoints Paolo Zanetti as head coach
Paolo Zanetti is the new head coach of Udinese. The 43-year-old signs until mid-2027 and will make his debut on Friday in the away match against bottom line Venezia. Runjaic left after the 5-2 defeat to Roma.
Official: Udinese appoints Paolo Zanetti as head coach
According to Sports.
Background
Paolo Zanetti, who previously led Venezia to Serie A, returns to the club where he made his breakthrough. His experience in Italy's top flight will be vital for Udinese, who are currently struggling to find form. With a contract until 2027, Zanetti has time to lay a solid foundation for the future of the club.
Why this matters
The appointment of Paolo Zanetti as head coach of Udinese is crucial for the club's future in Serie A. With only five points after ten games, Udinese are in a critical situation, and the new coach must deliver results quickly to avoid relegation. Confidence in the dressing room and performance on the field are of great importance, especially with the upcoming match against bottom line Venezia.
Key points
- Official: Udinese appoints Paolo Zanetti as head coach.
- Paolo Zanetti is the new head coach of Udinese.
- Official: Udinese appoint Zanetti as head coach.
Udinese has officially appointed Paolo Zanetti as their new head coach. The Italian club completed the appointment just hours after Kosta Runjaic was sidelined. Zanetti, 43 years old, has signed a contract in Udine until June 30, 2027, in line with the firm conditions that the club reportedly set in advance for Runjaic's successor. A club statement confirmed that Zanetti will take charge of the first team with immediate effect.
Zanetti has been without a club since February, when Verona parted ways with him. He now takes over a team that is in dire straits. Udinese has five points after ten games and has been waiting for a win for eight matches. The 5-2 home defeat to Roma last Saturday proved to be the last straw for Runjaic and paved the way for an immediate substitution on the bench.
Zanetti's first assignment does not take long to arrive and is immediately of great significance: next Friday there is an away match against bottom line Venezia, a direct match in the relegation zone. The momentum of a new coach can immediately be decisive, with both the confidence in the dressing room and the number of points at stake.
When making the appointment, Udinese recalled Zanetti's breakthrough year of 2020/21, when he guided Venezia to Serie A for the first time in nineteen years. After one season at the highest level, spells at Empoli and Verona followed. With the Gialloblù he finished in fourteenth place in the 2024/25 season. That mix of promotion experience and survival football should now give Udinese something to hold on to in a difficult phase of the competition.
The club has drawn up a tight plan: Zanetti will lead his first training on Tuesday afternoon and will be officially presented to the media on Wednesday at 3 p.m. The relatively long contract term until mid-2027 underlines that Udinese is onis looking for stability and a clear project, despite the acute pressure of the rankings.
For supporters and selection, the bar is immediately set high: restore defensive compactness, find automatisms on the ball and, above all, achieve results quickly. With a direct competitor as the first hurdle, Zanetti can immediately sign the team. If Udinese manages to get points in Venice, it could be the starting signal for the turnaround that the club so desperately needs. One thing is clear: the new head coach will have a job full of urgency and responsibility from minute one.
What's happening now
Zanetti's first match as head coach is an away match against Venezia, who are currently bottom of Serie A. This match is of great importance for Udinese's season outlook, as a win could help the team get out of the relegation zone. The impact of a new coach can be decisive, especially in a head-to-head match with so much at stake.Frequently Asked Questions
What is Udinese's current position in Serie A?
Udinese has five points after ten games.
When will Udinese play Venezia?
Udinese will play an away match against Venezia next Friday.
What was the last result of Udinese?
Udinese's last match ended in a 5-2 home defeat against Roma.
Who is the new head coach of Udinese?
Paolo Zanetti has been officially appointed head coach of Udinese until 2027.
What is the impact of Zanetti's appointment on Udinese?
Zanetti takes over a team that is in dire straits and has been waiting for a win for eight matches.
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