Udinese: Runjaic points out “very important game” with
According to Tuttomercatoweb.
Why this matters
The game between Udinese and Cagliari is crucial for Udinese's trajectory in Serie A, especially before the international break. Kosta Runjaic emphasized the need to capitalize on the team's positive moments and turn this into consistent results, which can directly impact the group's confidence and morale at this early stage of the season.
Main conclusions
- Udinese: Runjaic points out “very important game” with.
- Kosta Runjaic highlighted the importance of the duel with Cagliari and confirmed Zaniolo among those chosen.
- Udinese, Runjaic: "Gara very important with Cagliari. Zaniolo? Sarà with noi."
Kosta Runjaic previewed Udinese-Cagliari this Friday, referring to the 5th round of Serie A 2026/27, and did not hide the relevance of the meeting for his team's current situation. The Polish coach stressed that it was “a very important game”, especially as it precedes the international break, and stressed the need to transform good exhibition phases into 90 consistent minutes.
"The course is defined and we have had good moments during the games, but we wanted to have 2-3 more points at this stage. It's still the beginning of the season and there are important and very important matches – this one against Cagliari is one of the very important ones, especially because we play in front of our fans", said the coach, remembering that, after the matchday, several players will go to the national teams.
The big news on Udinese's report card is Nicolò Zaniolo. The Italian international returned to work with the group and will be part of the squad. The doubt lies in his status in the eleven: "Zaniolo will be with us. We haven't yet decided whether he will start from the start or come in from the bench. He feels very good and has completed a couple of training sessions at a good level, but we have to consider the risk after the break. The upcoming break will help to put him at his best." Runjaic also highlighted the quality and experience of the attacking midfielder in Serie A, remembering that the physical misfortune only delayed his integration.
Regarding the opponent, the coach rejected parallels with the recent duel against Inter, where Udinese quickly reached 2-0 and then allowed too much space. "Cagliari shouldn't press like Inter, but they are very dangerous in transition and run a lot. They already have 9 points and can see a draw as an acceptable result; even so, we will both come in to win. If we give them the ball, they have the quality to manage it. It will be a complicated game."
In the clinical chapter, in addition to Zaniolo, Runjaic updated the status of Alessandro Zanoli, who is coming off a cruciate ligament injury: "Only those who are fit will play. Before Inter, we chose to leave them out to gain time. Now we are better than last week. Zaniolo travels; Zanoli we will see."
Asked about alternatives if Zaniolo starts on the bench, the coach pointed out several solutions for the forward's support position: "Chakvetadze started well against Inter and has already shown experience; I hope to see him spend more time on the field. Unai Gomez is adapting to a new context, he collects information and needs to win duels, occupy spaces better and give more with the ball. At San Siro he had an opportunity in the area where there was a lack of intensity in his execution – it's part of the process. He's a quality left-footer and he trained very well this week. We had a good performance against Monza and we won.
With the need to add and consolidate processes, Udinese enters this challenge with the clear idea of asserting the home advantage and closing the first block of the season with positive signs, against a compact and dangerous Cagliari in transitions.
What happens next
With the inclusion of Nicolò Zaniolo in the squad, Udinese will be able to count on a player of quality and experience in Serie A, which could be decisive for the team's performance. The decision on whether Zaniolo will start as a starter or come in from the bench will be an important consideration, especially with the upcoming international break allowing him to fully recover.
Frequently asked questions
How important is the Udinese-Cagliari game?
Kosta Runjaic highlighted that the game is very important, especially as it precedes the international break and is an opportunity for Udinese to score points.
Who is the big news in Udinese's squad?
The big news is Nicolò Zaniolo, who has returned to training with the group and will be part of the squad for the game.
What is Udinese's current situation in the Serie A table?
Udinese are looking for more points at this early stage of the season, having mentioned that they would like to have 2-3 more points.
When is Udinese's next game?
Udinese's next game is against Cagliari, in the 5th round of Serie A 2026/27.
How many points do Cagliari have so far?
Cagliari already has 9 points in the Serie A table so far.