November 1 was a day of great movement and speculation in the world of football, with manager changes, transfer negotiations and sacking decisions rocking clubs across leagues. In Italy, Udinese confirmed the departure of Kosta Runjaic from the bench, while the search for a new coach led to Paolo Zanetti being considered as the main candidate. Meanwhile, Juventus have reconsidered Federico Gatti's position in their three-man defence, opening the door to a possible move to Napoli. Outside the country, Sporting Lisbon have announced the end of their relationship with RuiBorges and the appointment of PauloFonseca, while Crystal Palace appear ready to let go of Jean‑PhilippeMateta, who could find a home at ManchesterUnited.
Udinese decided to sack Runjaic due to the few points earned in the season: only five points in 13 games, with only one win and two draws, and a crushing defeat against Roma (2-5). The Friulian club analyzed several options for the new coach, including IvanPetkovic and AlessandroD'Aversa, but Zanetti emerged as the favourite. If they accept the offer, Udinese would provide a contract valid until the end of the season with an option for the following year, probably linked to salvation.
Meanwhile, Juventus have reconsidered the position of FedericoGatti, who has had a difficult start to the season due to ankle problems. With Spalletti's three-man defence, Gatti began to find space, playing in the last two matches with a win in Lecce and a defeat in Genoa. The midfielder has been assessed as an asset who could become more important for the team, especially in view of a possible transfer to Napoli. The Italian club, in fact, could fill Massimiliano Allegri's squad with an extra central defender, and Gatti and Allegri know each other well, which makes the negotiation more realistic.
In Portugal, Sporting Lisbon announced the end of their relationship with RuiBorges, who was replaced by TiagoFernandes as interim coach until the arrival of PauloFonseca. The decision was made after a series of consecutive defeats against LASK and AcademicodeViseu, which called into question Borges' management. The club said that Fonseca will be officially appointed in a forthcoming communication and that his first match will be against Moreirense in La Liga, while TiagoFernandes will lead the team in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Finally, Crystal Palace appear ready to let go of Jean‑PhilippeMateta, who expressed his desire to move during the January transfer window. The French centre-forward, who has averaged two goals per game in the last three league seasons, has been the subject of interest from ManchesterUnited and NottinghamForest. Palace still retain contractual control, but the end of 2026 could represent the last opportunity to monetise his sale. ManchesterUnited, in particular, are looking for a striker ready to replace the injured BenjaminSesko, and have already shown interest in names such as DominicCalvert‑Lewin, DannyWelbeck and IvanToney. The competition between English clubs and the offers from European clubs and the SaudiProLeague will make the January transfer window one of the most anticipated of the winter period.