Udine coach Kosta Runjaic opened the press conference on 18 February with the aim of preparing the team for the match against Roma, scheduled for the tenth matchday of the 2026/2027 season. The captain's main message was to face the opponent with the right intensity, remembering the difficulty encountered last year and the need to maintain concentration over the entire 90 minutes.
Runjaic underlined that Roma have been in form for some time, with both national and international objectives, and that Udinese cannot leave without hope, especially after the recent match in Parma where, despite a draw, the team showed a good performance. “We got an important point against Parma, but we have to continue working on our form and goals,” said the coach, referring to the difficulties in scoring chances, both against Parma and against Turin and Cagliari.
Regarding the composition of the team, Runjaic confirmed the presence of Davis and Zaniolo, considered key players, but specified that they are not 100% fit. He also spoke about Chakvetadze, who can play the role of attacking midfielder or midfielder, and indicated the need to keep the defense in a three-man structure, with the aim of putting Roma in difficulty in key moments. The defense, according to Runjaic, will remain "reconfirmed", but with measures to avoid conceding premature goals.
The coach then addressed the issue of absences: Solet, Bayo, Gueye, Alaba and Zaniolo will not be able to play, but the team is working to recover energy and increase training loads. “There are still a few hours to recover energy given the three matches in a week,” he declared, highlighting the importance of ensuring the right energy for the players on the pitch.
Finally, Runjaic spoke about his expectations towards Roma, describing the team as complete and capable of playing both in depth and man for man. He reiterated that Udinese will have to cooperate among their players, maintain possession of the ball and implement the established game plan, even if they expect less possession than that experienced against Parma. With these indications, the coach concluded the conference, leaving the team ready to face a Roma team in form and with high ambitions.