Udinese have a new head coach lined up as Runjaic faces imminent sack

UDINE, ITALY - OCTOBER 25: Kosta Runjaic, Udinese manager, looks on during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Friuli on October 25, 2026 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

Reports in Italy claim that Kosta Runjaic will be formally dismissed from his position as head coach of Udinese by the end of the day and that Paolo Zanetti has been lined up to replace him. 

Udinese set to sack Runjaic and appoint Zanetti

Udinese are expected to confirm that they have parted company with Runjaic by the end of Monday after a poor start to the 2026-27 season, which has left the team second bottom in the Serie A table after 10 matches. 

Udinese have only mustered up five points from their first 10 league games of the season and have lost seven of their last eight, most recently falling to a 5-2 defeat at home against Roma, trailing by four goals at the half-time interval. 

According to reports from various outlets on Monday, including Sky’s Gianluca Di Marzio, a formal announcement regarding Runjaic’s sacking is expected to arrive by the end of Monday. 

Shortly after, it is expected that Udinese will appoint Zanetti as his replacement. The 43-year-old has been out of work since leaving his position as head coach of Hellas Verona back in February. 

His managerial CV also includes stints with Empoli, Venezia, Ascoli and Sudtirol.