Udinese Sacks Runjaic, Zanetti Set to Take Over

Udinese have dismissed head coach Kosta Runjaic. According to Calciomercato.com, the club made the decision on Monday, after several days of evaluation. Only Paolo Zanetti's signature is needed for his appointment.

Runjaic's spell ended with a poor run of results. Udinese have failed to win any of their last 8 matches, and their only league win came against Monza on 29 August. A 5-2 home defeat to Roma on Saturday was the final blow. The Bianconeri have collected 5 points from 10 matches and sit just above the relegation zone on goal difference.

In a club statement, Udinese said they had worked with Runjaic for more than two years and had achieved important goals together. The club thanked Runjaic and his assistants, Przemyslaw Małecki and Alexander Trukan, and wished them success in their future endeavours.

Zanetti had been without a job since Verona dismissed him in February. According to Sky Sport Italia, Udinese have set strict conditions for the new head coach. The contract will only run until June, and Zanetti may bring in at most two members of his own staff. Zanetti's first match is expected to be an away game against bottom-placed Venezia on Friday. That fixture is likely to be crucial in the relegation battle.