Udinese is preparing to challenge Milan on the next eighth day of the 2026/2027 Serie A, with coach Kosta Runjaic holding a press conference to outline the strategy and the points to improve. President Runjaic underlined the importance of not being discouraged by the recent defeat against Lecce, recalling that the team made tactical errors and lost the rhythm of the game. “We must not forget the match against Lecce, where we suffered a series of consecutive defeats and the lowest point of this period,” he said, highlighting the need to maintain concentration at home and bring a positive attitude against Milan.
Over the course of the week, Runjaic tried to ease the pressure on the players, explaining that the team is "over motivated" but that expectations did not match reality. He also highlighted the need to improve defence, especially against corners, and to maintain cohesion on the pitch. “We have to stay compact and show the right reaction at all times,” he said, citing the recent 3-0 win against Milan and Okoye's great save as an example of determination. The ownership's trust was received positively, but Runjaic reiterated that the team must "repay" this trust with concrete results.
As for the squad, the coach confirmed the availability of Piotrowski and Zaniolo, although the latter will not play as a starter. Zaniolo, who had an injury, will be inserted for a few minutes to evaluate his physical form. Player Solet was excluded due to a muscle problem, while Zanoli and Abankwah are recovering and will not be able to participate. “We are working 24 hours a day with Zaniolo to guarantee his full availability in the short term,” added Runjaic.
In terms of tactics, Runjaic stated that Udinese will not focus solely on ball possession, but will look to build chances and play consistently in every phase of the match. He also analyzed Milan, highlighting their strength in one-on-one duels and their ability to play vertically. “Milan is a team with more strengths than weaknesses, but we are ready to let the pitch do the talking,” he concluded, underlining the need to maintain confidence and concentration throughout the match.
With the eighth matchday upon us, Udinese is focusing on a solid performance and a balanced tactical approach to try to recover points against a high-level team like Milan. The final result will depend on the team's ability to maintain cohesion and exploit the opportunities that arise during the match.