Udinese Dismisses Kosta Runjaic and Appoints Paolo Zanetti
Udinese Calcio officially dismissed head coach Kosta Runjaic on November 2, 2026, following a prolonged winless run that left the club sliding down the standings. Paolo Zanetti is set to take over immediately on a short-term contract running until June, operating under strict club terms that limit his incoming backroom staff to just two members.
Immediate Operational Shift and Relegation Pressures
The decision to remove Runjaic comes in the wake of a 5-2 home defeat to Roma on October 31, which sealed an eight-match winless streak across all competitions. Udinese Calcio currently sits precariously just above the relegation zone, holding a total of only five points from their opening 10 matches of the campaign.
Kosta Runjaic
coachThe newly appointed coach takes charge during a crucial phase of the domestic calendar, with immediate pressure to reverse the club’s defensive vulnerabilities. Squad preparations are already underway for an upcoming fixture against Venezia.
Udinese Calcio issued an official statement confirming the departure, noting the end of a tenure that lasted over two years and thanking both Runjaic and departing staff members Przemyslaw Małecki and Alexander Trukan for their service.
