Udinese Appoint Paolo Zanetti After Ending Kosta Runjaic’s Tenure
Udinese have moved quickly to reset their season, confirming the departure of head coach Kosta Runjaic and appointing Paolo Zanetti as his replacement. The decision follows a difficult run of results that left the club searching for a change in direction, with the team going eight consecutive matches without a win.
Runjaic’s only Serie A victory this season came against Monza on 29 August. After several days of consideration, Udinese’s leadership concluded that a new voice was needed to revive the team’s momentum. Zanetti has signed a contract through 30 June 2027, giving him the opportunity to build beyond the immediate challenge of improving results.
Udinese confirm coaching change
In its announcement, Udinese thanked Runjaic and his staff for their work, noting that the coach’s spell at the club had lasted more than two years and included the achievement of important objectives. The club also acknowledged assistants Małecki and Trukan, wishing all three success in their future careers.
The change brings an end to Runjaic’s time in charge at a moment when results had become a growing concern. An eight-match winless streak can create pressure across a squad, affecting confidence as well as the club’s position in the league. For Udinese, the appointment of a new manager offers a chance to restore belief, sharpen performances and give the season a fresh focus.
That does not mean the transition will be straightforward. Zanetti will have limited time to learn the squad, assess its strengths and identify the adjustments most likely to produce an immediate response. His first task will be to provide clarity: players need to understand what is expected of them, while supporters will be looking for signs of greater consistency.
Who is Paolo Zanetti?
Born in Valdagno, in the province of Vicenza, on 16 December 1982, Zanetti has experience as both a professional player and a coach. During his playing career, he represented clubs including Torino and Atalanta and made five appearances for Italy’s Under-21 team.
He moved into coaching soon after retiring, taking charge of Reggiana’s Berretti side at the age of 33. His first senior opportunity came with Südtirol in the 2017/18 season. Two seasons in Bolzano helped establish his reputation and earned him a move to Ascoli in Serie B.
Zanetti’s most notable early achievement came in 2020/21, 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 significant milestone in his coaching career. He stayed with Venezia for the following season before taking charge of Empoli.
At Empoli, Zanetti helped secure Serie A survival in 2022/23, demonstrating his ability to work under the pressure of a relegation battle. His most recent top-flight experience came with Verona. He led the club to 14th place in the 2024/25 season and remained in charge until February 2026.
What Zanetti’s appointment could mean for Udinese
Zanetti arrives with a profile shaped by promotion campaigns and the demands of keeping teams competitive in Serie A. That background could prove useful at Udinese, where the immediate priority is likely to be turning a winless run into a more reliable sequence of performances. His experience with Venezia, Empoli and Verona also gives him a practical understanding of the different pressures facing clubs outside Italy’s traditional title race.
For supporters following the latest Udinese transfer discussion, the coaching change may also raise questions about the squad’s needs. A new manager can alter how players are used and which positions become priorities, but it is too early to draw firm conclusions about future recruitment. Zanetti will first need to evaluate the group already at his disposal. His assessment could influence later decisions, particularly if he identifies areas where greater depth or a different player profile would help the team.
Any early prediction about Udinese’s season should therefore be treated cautiously. A managerial appointment can provide a short-term lift, but sustained improvement depends on results, performances and the team’s ability to adapt to new instructions. The contract through 2027 suggests the club sees Zanetti as more than a temporary solution, while the immediate run of fixtures will offer the first indication of how quickly his ideas take hold.
First training session and press conference
Zanetti is scheduled to lead his first training session tomorrow afternoon. His introductory press conference will take place on Wednesday at 3pm, when he is expected to outline his priorities and discuss the challenge ahead.
Udinese’s next match is listed for 7 November 2026, with the club set to face Venezia in Serie A. The fixture could offer an early test of Zanetti’s ability to prepare the squad under a tight timetable. More broadly, the coming weeks will show whether the coaching change can help Udinese regain confidence and move beyond a disappointing stretch of results.
For now, the club has made its decision: Runjaic’s tenure is over, and Zanetti has been handed the responsibility of starting a new chapter. His record includes both promotion success and hard-earned top-flight survival. Udinese will hope that combination can help deliver a stronger finish to the season—and establish a stable foundation for the years covered by his new contract.
