This past Saturday, Udinese beat AC Milan 1-0 thanks to a lone goal from Antonio Di Natale.
A lone goal that marked the Zebrette captain’s 185th goal in Serie A.
A lone goal that would have been a million times better had he scored it in October, the last time Udinese met Milan, where a certain Toronto-born-Furlan travelled to Milan to watch the Zebrette lose 1 – 0 at the San Siro.
But I digress.
Anyway, in honour of the 185th milestone goal, here is a list of 14 (1 + 8 + 5 = 14) other numbers that are connected to the history of Udinese, as well as the contemporary team.
The list was originally 185 numbers, but that proved to be too long.
Other Udinese Numbers
14) 41,500
The number of followers on the Zebrette’s official Twitter account (give or take). This is compared to the 58 people the club follows back, which includes players, media outlets, and other Giampaolo Pozzo owned clubs. Additionally, their official Facebook page has over 98,000 “likes” and their official Instagram account has over 3,000 followers.
13) 30,000
The amount of spectators (approximately) that the current Stadio Friuli can hold for a match. The stadium can also be converted into a concert venue and rugby pitch, and has a track circling the pitch. At maximum capacity, it can hold over 40,000 people and has a lovely view of the Alps.
12) 25,000
The amount of spectators (approximately) the former Stadio Moretti held. The Stadio Moretti opened in 1920, was closed down in 1976, and eventually demolished by 1988. Though the stadium, named for the Moretti brewery family, is no longer exists, the club continues to support Moretti Park which is now in its place.
11) 1896
The year Udinese was formed; making it the second oldest club currently in Serie A, after Genoa (est. 1893).
10) 1986
Both a numerical anagram for the year Udinese was founded and the date of when Pozzo took control of the team. Pozzo came to the club in the midst of a betting scandal and a generally poor Friulano side, but managed to pull together a team, and accompanying management, that would then go on to consistently remain in Serie A since the mid 1990s.
9) 1921
The first time that Udinese reached the Coppa Italia final. However, they unfortunately lost 1-0 to F.C Vado (currently in Serie D) in extra-time.
8) 110
The subscription based channel in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region (195 in Veneto), owned by Udinese, that broadcasts Udinese. This includes matches, highlights, interviews, and specialty segments. It can be viewed online, here.
7) 31.93
The amount in Euros for the cheapest ticket price point that you are able to purchase (from Viagogo) for the upcoming Udinese – Roma match; it will get you into the Curva Nord. Alternatively, if you prefer more posh seats, €365 will get you into the Tribuna Onore. Or, you could pay face value which will set you back (supposedly) €20.00 – €120.00.
6) 31
The number of points Udinese currently sits with on the table – in 14th place – nine points short of their coveted 40-point-plateau.
5) 27
The number of clubs that have Udinese players out on loan to, including Watford and Granada. The number of actual players that Udinese has currently out on loan is well over 30.
4) 22
The shirt number of the only Udinese player to be called up to the Italian National Team. No, it’s not the 185-goal-scoring Di Natale, but rather the 17 year old Simone Scuffet. Under Cesare Prandelli, the Udine-born keeper completed an training camp with the Azzurri over the last week.
3) 10
The shirt number that will be retired once Di Natale decided to hang up his boots. However, the Zebrette captain has hinted that that may not be at the end of this season after all; he may possibly play again next year.
2) 1
The number of Scudetti that Udinese has. Sort of. Udinese won the “first” Scudetto in 1896, however it was not organized by the FIGC – as it was not yet established – and therefore, the win doesn’t technically count. But who cares about technicality? A win is still a win.
1) 0
The amount of titles that Udinese have to its name – that are still being offer at a competitive level – because apparently other people care about ‘technicalities’. The last (now defunct) title Udinese won was the Intertoto Cup in 2000.
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Congrats Di Natale on your 125th. Here’s to 125 more. Ah heck, we’ll even take 25 more.
