Without Alaba: Udinese slides deeper into crisis against Milan

Udinese Calcio suffers another setback during a challenging period. On the 8th matchday of Serie A, "Le Zebrette" lost 0-2 against AC Milan.

David Alaba was unable to play due to a muscle injury. The ÖFB star injured himself on the 7th matchday against Lecce and is out until further notice.

Early Deficit

As was the case last week against Lecce, Udinese once again fell behind early: Veteran Luka Modric sent Pulisic through, and the American did the rest, beating Okoye in goal (6').

Shortly before halftime, Udinese was lucky when Bartesaghi and Pulisic hindered each other and missed the chance for 2-0 (40').

After the break, it was only a matter of time until Milan scored their second goal. Pulisic first tested Okoye with a shot from a tight angle (60').

Shortly thereafter, the Nigerian keeper could only parry a Jashari long-range shot forward, and Hutchinson converted the rebound, securing the 2-0 final score (65').

Must Runjaic Go?

For Udinese Calcio's German coach Kosta Runjaic, born in Vienna, the pressure is certainly mounting. A competitive match was last won on September 2nd. Since then, there have been six consecutive defeats.

Runjaic has been managing "Le Zebrette" since June 2024. In the past two seasons, he consistently achieved a secure mid-table position.

With a meager four points from eight games, Udinese now sits in 17th place in the table. Milan is fourth with 18 points.