The Udinese coach wants continuity after Torino, while Pisa arrive in Udine determined to keep their dream alive
Udinese–Pisa is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing clashes of the round: two teams with clear ideas, realistic ambitions and coaches who know exactly what they want from their squads. On the eve of the match, Kosta Runjaic and Alberto Gilardino outlined their expectations, offering a clear picture of what to expect on the pitch.
Runjaic: “We want the same intensity shown in Turin”
Fresh from an important away win against Torino, Runjaic is asking his players for continuity rather than complacency.
“It was a very intense match and the players gave everything,” he explained. “You always recover better after a victory. Physically and mentally we’ll be ready, but it will be crucial to bring the same focus and determination we showed in Turin.”
On individual situations, the Udinese coach sounded cautiously optimistic:
- Zaniolo: “He came off in Turin as a precaution because of a minor knee issue. He’s trained with the team and, if everything goes well, he’ll be available.”
- Atta: “He’s back with the group. He showed his quality against Torino, but we don’t want to take risks. He can play in different roles and you’ll see him on the pitch, whether from the start or during the game.”
- Kristensen: “He did well in a slightly different role, helping Zanoli push forward. We have some ideas and we’ll decide the best solution for Pisa.”
Runjaic also addressed defensive details after conceding chances against Torino:
“We’re working on reducing the risks. It’s normal to concede opportunities, but we want to improve. Against Pisa we want to play like we did on Wednesday: they’re a good team, with quality and physicality, so we’ll need to be at 100% from the first minute.”
Looking further ahead, the Udinese coach was clear about objectives:
“Confirming last season’s points total is important, but now we want to do better. Finishing in the top ten hasn’t happened here for a long time. Reaching 50 points is a realistic target, but it requires daily work and consistency.”
Gilardino: “We’ll do everything to chase our dream”
On the other side, Pisa arrive in Udine eager to react after the defeat against Como and aware that the upcoming fixtures will be even tougher. Gilardino’s message is built on belief and balance.
“We start the second half of the season knowing exactly what we need to bring with us: compactness, humility, sacrifice, but also courage,” he said. “I’m a positive person and I demand the same from my players. We know the moment we’re living, but we also know the huge desire we all share to chase this dream.”
Gilardino did not underestimate the challenge posed by Udinese:
“They’re a team with physical, technical and structural quality. It will be a very difficult match. We’ll need to use our strengths while continuing to work on our weaknesses.”
A match of substance, not slogans
Udinese want confirmation. Pisa want redemption and belief. Runjaic asks for continuity, Gilardino for courage. At the Bluenergy Stadium, the balance between intensity and ambition will likely decide who takes a crucial step forward in their respective journeys.
