Kosta Runjaic may leave Udinese after the disaster: two alternatives are already in place

The catastrophic 3-0 home loss to Lecce could have serious consequences for Kosta Runjaic, whose future as Udinese’s head coach appears increasingly in doubt. Udinese’s management could consider making a change on the bench, and should the German coach be fired, potential replacements include Paolo Zanetti and Roberto D’Aversa, both of whom have solid experience in the top flight.

In recent days, Zanetti had been mentioned as a possible candidate for a return to Venezia, a club he previously coached. However, after relieving Giovanni Stroppa of his duties, the Venice-based club opted instead for Davide Nicola, who got off to a flying start in his new role, securing a surprising victory over Napoli on Saturday.

D’Aversa, too, had been at the center of some transfer rumors, particularly regarding a possible return to Parma, a team he had previously managed. After parting ways with Carlos Cuesta, however, the Emilia-based club decided to hand the reins to Alberto Gilardino, putting an end to the possibility of a new role for D’Aversa.

Zanetti and D’Aversa therefore remain potentially interesting candidates for Udinese, should the Friuli-based club decide to change head coaches. For now, however, there is no concrete evidence of any contacts or negotiations. The management’s deliberations following the heavy defeat against Lecce will determine Runjaic’s future on the Bianconeri bench.