Football Season Guide

In the previous three summers, during the transfer season, Udinese regularly let at least three key players leave for some richer teams while legions of mostly unknown and inexperienced youths were signed in. Despite that, the Zebras succeeded confirming themselves in the top 5 of the Serie A, thus qualifying twice for the Champions League and once, in the past May, for the Europa League. Quite surprisingly, this summer, the management opted for a slightly different attitude. Benatia was the only regular to be sold while all the rest of the squad were confirmed and several youngsters arrived. Considering how often the Moroccan international got injured and the time he spent in the African Cup of Nations, it was a rather wise decision. Thus, Guidolin could confirm a 3-4-1-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation with one between Heurtaux and Naldo acting together with Danilo and Domizzi in the back three. In goals, Brkic, who injured himself during the pre-season and should miss out for some time, will have to be replaced by Benussi, who spent on the bench most of his decennial career, or Kelava. In the midfield, players like Fernandes, who was fantastic with Novara in Serie B, and Merkel could be given some chances to shine. Comparing with the past, the attack was sensibly strengthened: ever-lasting Di Natale and Muriel already proved their value and they will have more and more opportunities to play together being supported by Zielinski, whose few games in the past springtime were extremely promising, Pereyra, Maicosuel and Nico Lopez, who was not given many chances while with Roma but was fundamental with the Uruguayan FIFA U-20 World Cup National team. On the other hand, Vydra’s permanence with the team does not seem likely to last long as he is on the departure list.