After a dramatic last-day escape from relegation, Udinese is set to embark on a new chapter under the guidance of German coach Kosta Runjaic. The former Legia Warsaw manager, who recently parted ways with the Polish club after two seasons, is the key figure for Udinese this season. The team hasn’t made significant changes in the transfer market, aside from losing Walace, who returned to Brazil, and the free agent Pereyra. Instead, they have welcomed three promising young talents.
Runjaic has a well-known ability to develop players, having elevated talents such as Walukiewicz, Benedyczak, and Listkowski during his time in Poland. At Udinese, he will need to harness the potential of several players, particularly Brazilian winger Matheus Martins. Martins scored five goals last season playing for Watford in the Championship and will be a key asset for Runjaic. Additionally, Leonardo Buta, a left-back from Portugal, has joined from Gil Vicente, along with Portuguese prodigy Damian Pizarro, who, on debut in his homeland, had an impressive scoring rate of one goal every 119 minutes.
Udinese presents an intriguing mix for fantasy football enthusiasts as they will have new starters, position battles, penalty takers, and set-piece specialists. With many uncertainties surrounding the team, it’s tough to predict Udinese’s performance this season. However, Florian Thauvin stands out as a reliable option; he is the designated penalty taker and free-kick specialist and, when fit, can be unstoppable on the pitch.
Alternatively, under Runjaic’s potentially more attacking strategy, Lorenzo Lucca could be a good investment. After contributing eight goals and four assists last season, he can aim for double figures this time around. He has already shown signs of his potential this summer.
Among the new arrivals, Matheus Martins shines as a player who could earn significant playing time in Serie A. However, the player with the greatest potential to secure a starting position and live up to the hype is Brenner. Joining from FC Cincinnati with a scoring record of 18 goals in 29 appearances in MLS, he missed much of last season due to injury but is primed to make an impact if he stays fit, especially if Samardzic leaves.
In terms of tactical formation, Udinese may line up in a 3-4-2-1: Okoye; Perez, Bijol, Kristensen; Ebosele, Lovric, Payero, Kamara; Thauvin, Samardzic; Lucca. Backup options could include Perez/Giannetti, Lovric/Zarraga, and Samardzic/Brenner, with Thauvin and Samardzic likely taking penalties and free kicks.
