In northern Italy, Udinese have been steadily improving as they come off of their highest finish since the 2012-13 season. Now, as they celebrate the club's 130th anniversary, they want to push for more in the league. Coming off the World Cup, they have a bit of an advantage due to only Jesper Karlstorm taking part in the tournament for Sweden and manager Kosta Runjaic was able to use that to have a standard preseason in comparisan to some of the teams around them in the table while also nont needing to replace much of the squad as Arthur Atta's departure to Serie A is their only major exit from the summer.
It comes with the territory that a club like Udinese need to get used to selling players on, but they're able to balance that with pushing for success in Serie A because once a club has a reputation for developing young players, more want to come and get playing time.
"We have a lot of young players, and that's why I'm here in this position to also push them to the limit. If you arrive at Udinese, it is not finished yet; you need to perform, you need to make the next step," technical director Gokhan Inler said, speaking with CBS ahead of the season. "Udinese is famous for giving time to the players to develop. I'm proud that these players [like Atta] can take the next step because he worked good, he respected the football rules, the environment here."
From Italy to England and back again
This all shows in their transfer strategy, which is a mixture of young players with sell on value, such as forward Idrissa Gueye, and others who can help them succeed, like Nicolo Zaniolo, of course, with a mix of Watford there too. Also owned by the Pozzo family, Watford are part of the multi-club ownership model for the Serie A squad that also used to include LaLiga side Girona. Multi-club setups are becoming more common as they allow for shared resources and additional avenues for players to develop. With Watford being in the Championship, if members of Udinese aren't ready for Serie A play, they can go to England to develop before returning to Italy. It has become a well-worn path over the years, but unlike some other clubs, which are just a funnel to the Premier League, this is one that does go both ways as each is able to benefit while ensuring that a competitive product is also put out for fans.
"Having Watford and Udine is a good combination for the players," Inler said. "If one player is maybe ready to perform, you can call him back to Udinese. For example, we had James Abankwah this year, he played many games with Watford, and this season he came back and is more ready. Some players need time, and needing time means playing, because the younger players need to play."
Multiple avenues for playing time are critical for clubs that operate on smaller budgets because they can't afford to miss, but since putting heavy investment into improving the facilities of the club, the results have spoken for themselves in Italy. It hasn't been an overnight success story for Udinese, but they've improved their league placement in each of the last three seasons, and for two of those, Inler has been at the helm guiding the ship. A former player for the club himself, Inlter understands what the squad goes through and is able to translate that in meaningful ways to them.
"I had many stories, ups and downs. I win a lot, but I also sacrifice a lot. My experience was also good; now I can talk. Of course, every player wants to play every game, but in the end, 11 can only play. I saw both sides, playing and also not playing. For example, Leicester City, the title. I was in this squad when we won the title," Inler said. "I came there to help the team, to be the leader, but in the end, I play only five games. I lost my national team—I was captain—and this was for me the hardest year. Now in my role, it's crucial because I can explain to the players that football is not finished from today to tomorrow."
Now, Inler has been able to balance the challenges that come daily with needing to keep up as a director with a club while also pushing a team forward that he cares about. Recently signing a two-year extension, he has recommitted to this unique club as they look to improve their standing for a third consecutive season. Now the goal has shifted to a European place, but the club is aware that it's still a job of steady improvement as they push for more.
How to watch Udinese vs. Como
Date: Saturday, August 22 | Time: 12:30 p.m. ET Location: Bluenergy Stadium -- Udine, Italy TV: CBS Sports Network | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free) Odds: Udinese +375; Draw +260; Como -125
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