Udinese 2026/27: Tactics, Rotations and Key Men

Udinese are one of the most interesting teams to watch. Why? Because they keep doing what they’ve been doing for years: spotting talent before everyone else, developing it without rushing, and turning it into genuine protagonists.

Last year belonged to Arthur Atta, who after a first season settling in, claimed both the starting spot and the spotlight in Udinese’s midfield. He’s now moved on to Fiorentina for around €30 million — so who’s next?

This could be Lennon Miller’s season

Udinese signed him from Motherwell last season, and after a year of adjustment, he’s now in line to fill the gap left by Atta alongside Karlstrom. Miller, born in 2006, is a modern midfielder — capable of playing as a quality creator or as a box-to-box presence in attack, while also being willing to roll up his sleeves and battle for the ball in midfield.

He’s the perfect profile for Runjaic’s style, which alternates between a 3-4-2-1 and a 3-5-2. This is a 20-year-old entering his first season as a regular starter in Serie A, but he brings genuine dynamism and the intelligence to cover different roles within a match. This could well be his breakout year.

Palma set for a bigger role in defence

Matteo Palma could become an important part of Runjaic’s defensive rotation once again. Born in 2008, the defender already made his debut last season and looked set to become a regular part of the squad. His last appearance for Udinese came in December 2025, in a Coppa Italia match against Juventus in which he conceded a penalty and scored an own goal.

Young players need room to make mistakes and learn from them — and that’s exactly what happened. In January, Udinese sent him on loan to Sampdoria in Serie B, where he had an excellent half-season. He’s now back with more maturity and game intelligence, and the gap left by Kristensen could open the door to a regular spot in the back three.

Zaniolo-Davis, a real strength

Which were the most prolific attacking duos last season? Lautaro-Thuram, obviously, then Douvikas-Nico Paz — and after that? Zaniolo and Davis. Despite going through spells on the sidelines, sometimes lengthy ones, Udinese’s two attackers combined for 25 goals and assists between them. After the summer-long saga over Zaniolo’s contract renewal, could the pair do even better this season, now that they know each other’s game?

Keinan Davis is being asked to confirm himself as a double-digit-goal striker, while the former Roma man is being asked for a double-double season — something well within his capabilities. It’ll all come down to his mindset.

How Udinese will line up

Runjaic’s preference leans toward a 3-4-2-1, which can shift into a 3-5-2 in more cautious matches. Okoye is the undisputed number one in goal; Solet is a fixture at the back, with the experience of Kabasele through the middle and youth on the centre-right, where both Palma and Abankwah — fresh off a solid season at Watford — have been tried out. Bertola and Mlacic are currently further down the pecking order.

On the left, Arizala will often compete with Kamara for a starting spot, while Vojvoda will start on the right. Captain Karlstrom is the midfield anchor, alongside whom, as mentioned, Miller’s talent is expected to come of age. But the roles between midfield and the attacking-midfield line are interchangeable, and Runjaic likes to rotate: expect minutes and intensity from our sleeper pick Piotrowski, and quality on the ball from new signing Unai Gomez.

For now, Ekkelenkamp looks set to be the attack-minded midfielder, likely to be used in a more advanced role while we wait to see what Chakvetadze — currently sidelined through injury — can offer as an alternative. The attacking line is completed by Zaniolo and Keinan Davis, with Gueye and Buksa providing minutes off the bench as a heavier alternative up front.

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