As 2013 draws to a close, it is time for Udinese’s annual “Let’s Look at the Season So Far” end-of-year review. The Little Zebras are notorious for not always have the best first half of the season and 2013 proved no exception.
For the last few years, they are victims of dropped points and terrible losses that have come back to haunt them when they win like mad in the second half of the season; having just reached the 20 point mark in 2013, Udinese will struggle to finish in the top five, a position, mind you, that they could still easily achieve.
Tactical Shifts
Unfortunately for Udinese, their tactical shift has not been a positive one. Whether consciously or not, Udinese biggest problem this season is the change from being a fast, attacking team, to one that is more heavily relied on defence.
Yes, the team still utilizes Antonio Di Natale at the front, however, the Little Zebras are not moving the ball forward as fast as they once did. However, hopefully with Nicolás López transitioning into become a starting forward, the attacking mindset will return to the Zebrette in 2014.
Star Performer so far: Željko Brkic
Goalkeeper Željko Brkic, for the sole fact that he had to put up with very mean verbal abuse from very cruel school children during a special “children in the curva” match against Juventus in early December.
The kids, who shouted such obscenities like “merda” (Friulano translation: mierde), had been invited to watch the games, as an alternative to Juventus playing a closed match as punishment to their grownup fans. The club was fined for the piccolini Juventini abuse and Brki?’s feelings were temporary hurt.
Worst performer: Francesco Guidolin
This may not be a popular answer, but after a couple of successful seasons with Udinese, Guidolin is not the same coach as he once was. He needs to be more dominate in his position with the club and he can start but not giving so many apologetic post-game interviews; the team needs a leader, not an apologist. A change in Guidolin’s submissive attitude would so wonders for the team/fan morale.
Transfer of the season so far: Nicolás López
Nicolás López, the 20 year old Uruguayan forward may be the next Alexis Sanchez… according to the Friulani forums. 2014 will be his time to prove it and he will play a pivotal role in helping Udinese land a European position for the end of the season.
Milestone moment
Di Natale making the short list for FIFA’s Puska Award for his seemingly physiological/psychological impossible left footed volley during the Derby del Equidae (watch it here). While he did not make the top three cut (despite an overload of voting originating from the Greater Toronto Area), the goal is still a reminder of why Di Natale is one of the best goal scorers in the world.
What needs to happen in 2014?
How should Udinese approach the second half of the season? Well, they should, you know, try to win. Hoping for a the one-point-draw will not cut it anymore, especially if they’re hoping to finish closer to the top of the table.
Currently in 11th place with 20 points, it will be a tough uphill battle to reach the 40 point plateau, but if there is one team who always manages to surprise, it is the horseshoe-clad Zebrette.
Follow Sonja Cori Missio on Twitter: @SonjaMissio
