Udinese coach Kosta Runjaic admitted that Milan were better in all aspects following a 3-0 defeat at the Bluenergy Stadium. Despite a tactical change to a 4-4-2 formation, Udinese struggled to contain Milan’s attack and could not capitalize on early opportunities.
Tactical Shift Fails to Counter Milan
Runjaic opted for a 4-4-2 formation, which Udinese hadn’t used since last season, hoping to improve defensive stability.
“The idea was good, but it’s not about the system, it’s about interpreting individual positions,” Runjaic told Sky Sport Italia. “We didn’t press Milan effectively, especially on the right side, and invited them forward. Milan were simply better in all aspects tonight.”
The coach acknowledged mistakes in both strategy and execution, taking responsibility for the team’s defensive lapses.
Player Performance and Fitness Concerns
Udinese players struggled with energy and cohesion, partly due to injuries and late arrivals. Jurgen Ekkelenkamp, returning from pre-season injury, was out of rhythm, affecting the midfield balance.
New signings like Nicolò Zaniolo have also found it difficult to adapt, arriving late in the transfer window. Runjaic stressed that players need time to adjust to Udinese’s high defensive demands and running requirements.
Learning from Defeat Against a Top Team
Despite the loss, Runjaic emphasized the value of experience gained against a well-organized Milan side. “We faced a team with top-level experience,” he said. “There are positives to take for development, and we must focus on improving for future fixtures.”
Udinese now turn attention to the Coppa Italia clash against Palermo, which provides an opportunity to test tactics and give new players valuable match minutes.
Conclusion and Upcoming Fixtures
While Udinese suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Milan, Runjaic remains focused on improvement. The next Serie A fixtures and Coppa Italia tie will be key for team development, fitness integration, and refining tactical approaches against strong opponents.
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