Udinese - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Udinese finished last season’s Serie A campaign in 10th place with 50 points. It was a result the club can be pleased with, but there have been changes over the summer. One of the most high-profile signings is David Alaba. The Austrian is expected to strengthen the defence, bringing experience gained at the highest level. Kosta Runjaić has remained in charge and will continue working with the team. Udinese hope their summer moves will help them maintain a place in mid-table and perhaps even improve on last season’s finish.

Runjaić stays for another season

Udinese do not have the budget of Serie A’s biggest clubs, but last season they finished ahead of several teams that had been rated more highly before the campaign. Kosta Runjaić is beginning his second season in Udine and is already familiar with his players’ abilities. His team often looks to launch quick attacks after winning the ball and can make use of its forwards’ physical attributes going forward. However, there have been several changes to the squad over the summer. Runjaić must find replacements for departing players and integrate the new arrivals into a system that worked well last season.

Alaba the headline signing

Alaba’s arrival is naturally attracting the most attention. The Austrian has signed a contract until June 2027. Alaba won trophies with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, including the Champions League, and was a key player for the Austria national team for many years. Udinese rarely sign players with such an impressive CV. He can play at centre-back, on the left side of defence and in midfield. Udinese have lost Thomas Kristensen, who joined Atalanta, and Jordan Zemura, who is leaving for Watford.

New options in defence

Maduka Okoye remains the first-choice goalkeeper. However, Bartosz Mrozek, signed from Lech Poznań, will compete for the place between the posts. The Pole has signed a four-year contract and arrives after seasons in which he regularly featured in the Ekstraklasa and European competitions. Oumar Solet, Christian Kabasele and Nicolò Bertola are still expected to play important roles in defence. Alessandro Zanoli, signed from Napoli, could feature at right-back. Alaba’s arrival gives Runjaić another option, although much will depend on the Austrian’s condition.

More creativity in midfield

Giorgi Chakvetadze has joined Udinese from Watford, while Unai Gómez arrives from Athletic Club. The Georgian can play in several attacking positions, including on the wing. The Spaniard is technically gifted and can operate both in midfield and closer to the opposition goal. Both are expected to help the team in possession. Jesper Karlström, Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, Jakub Piotrowski and Lennon Miller remain in the squad. However, Arthur Atta’s departure for Fiorentina means the loss of a midfielder who could carry the ball forward and win duels in the middle of the pitch. The new arrivals will have to take on some of those responsibilities.

Zaniolo and Davis expected to deliver goals

Udinese have made Nicolò Zaniolo’s loan move from Galatasaray permanent after a successful spell. The Italian scored five goals and provided five assists in Serie A last season. He has now signed a contract until 2029 and will have the chance to establish himself at the club long term. The club have also extended Keinan Davis’s contract until 2031. The Englishman is effective in physical battles with defenders and can hold up the ball, giving his teammates time to join the attack. The squad has also been strengthened by Idrissa Gueye from Metz and Lazar Jovanović from Stuttgart, while Adam Buksa has left the club on loan to Mallorca.

Can Udinese finish in the top ten again?

Tenth place is a good starting point, but repeating that result will require several elements to come together. Alaba brings experience, Mrozek increases competition in goal, and Chakvetadze and Gómez are expected to help create chances. At the same time, Atta’s departure has left a gap in midfield. Udinese have a chance to finish in the top half of the table again. Much will depend on the forwards’ form and how quickly the new arrivals settle into the team.