Udinese Club Focus: What do the Zebrette need in January?

Date: 3rd January 2014 at 2:31am
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With 20 points and currently sitting 11th on the table, Udinese had a mediocre—at best—first half of the season. Entering 2014 with a 6 – 2 – 9 record, the Little Zebras will have an uphill battle to reach their desired 40-point-plateau and will have to work even harder still if they want to be considered as a serious contender for a European competition spot.

One of the biggest problems that Udinese has had for the last few seasons is a lack of comparable substitutes; while their starting lineup is decent, they do not have the substitutes to fill in once injuries inevitably plague the team.

However, this may change if the Zebrette make some smart signings in the January transfer window to fill in the gaps when and where they need it most.

However, this is Udinese we’re talking about it; that is a big “if,” as far as smart singings are concerned.

Potential/Definite Ins

Cagliari defender Lorenzo Ariaudo has been rumoured to be linked with the Zebrette. Ariaudo’s contract with the Rossoblu expires in June and Udinese are after the 24 year old Turin-born player. Unfortunately, so are several other Serie A teams, including Atalanta and Genoa; Udinese will have to make a serious bid for Ariaudo if they want to invest in firming up their backline.

Meanwhile, Corinthians central midfielder/right back Edenilson has also been linked to Udinese. Having played and won with the Brazilian club for the 2012 Copa Libertadores and 2012 Club World Cup, the 24 year old would bring rare title winning experience to the Zebrette. However, there are still questions swirling around Edenilson’s legality to play for the Friulano squad and if he will be granted a work permit.

And finally, Colombian midfielder Alexis Zapata is another name that has been recently linked to Udinese. However, he is not to be confused with fellow Colombian and former Zebra, Cristian Zapata.  Hopefully the equipment manager kept some old shirts.

As a side note, Mario Balotelli is rumoured to be leaving Milan; the Italian nation would make a great addition to the Zebrette attacking mentality.

Potential/Definite Outs

Unfortunately for Udinese, anyone who is not name “Antonio Di Natale” or “Danilo” has the potential of being sent to one of Giampaolo Pozzo’s other clubs, Granada or Watford.

Right now, closely linked to Pozzo’s other teams are Swedish forward Mathias Ranegie and German midfielder Alexander Merkel, both having been scene at Watford.

Defender Dusan Basta and midfielder Maicosuel have been linked to Corinthians in Brazil, possibly in a trade involving Edenilson.

However, the strongest trade rumour so far is that coach Francesco Guidolin will be leaving, though not until the end of the season. According to Friulano media, if the rumours are true, the Udinese coach will go to Norwich City in England, despite Pozzo being recently quoted stating that “[he] will not accept [Guidolin’s] departure.”

What needs to happen?

The problem with Udinese is that there is absolutely no expectation of signing someone new, and total expectation of getting rid of anyone (and everyone) that they possibly can. Maybe Pozzo will surprise this year, but don’t hold your breathe.

 

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